The BBC has confirmed that Look Mum No Computer will represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which takes place in Vienna, Austria, in May 2026.
The announcement means Kent-born artist Sam Battle, best known for his experimental electronic sound and homemade musical inventions, will become the UK’s official act at one of the world’s biggest live music events.
The decision matters because Eurovision has become a key cultural moment for the UK, attracting millions of viewers each year and often shaping public conversation around British music.
It also signals that the BBC may be leaning into originality and performance creativity as the UK aims to improve its standing in the competition.
The Eurovision Grand Final will be held on 16 May 2026, with the semi-finals scheduled for 12 May and 14 May. UK audiences will be able to watch live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Who is Look Mum No Computer?
Look Mum No Computer is not a conventional chart pop artist. Instead, he has built a reputation as a performer who mixes music with engineering, using handmade electronic instruments and bizarre sound machines that have become central to his identity.
He is widely known online for creating unusual musical inventions, including synthesiser-based builds made from everyday items and nostalgic electronics.
His performances often blend comedy, chaos and great musical skill, which many fans believe fits Eurovision’s love of spectacle and memorable staging.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, the artist said, “I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey.
I’ve always been a massive Eurovision fan and love the magical joy it brings to millions every year. It’s an absolute honour to fly the flag for the UK, and I’m bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances. I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised!”
The BBC has backed the decision by describing him as a bold, modern representative of British creativity, particularly at a time when Eurovision has become more performance-driven than ever.
What has Look Mum No Computer achieved before Eurovision 2026?
While some Eurovision viewers may not recognise his name immediately, Look Mum No Computer already has a major following, particularly among younger audiences and fans of electronic music culture.
He launched his YouTube channel in 2016 and has since grown into a major UK-based music creator, with more than 85 million views and around 1.4 million followers across social media platforms.
His content often features him building unusual instruments and then performing with them, which has helped him stand out in a crowded online music world.
Before his solo success, he performed as the frontman of indie rock band ZIBRA, which played at Glastonbury Festival in 2015 through BBC Introducing.
Since then, he has moved deeper into electronic music, touring across the UK and Europe and building a dedicated fanbase through live performance and digital content.
His achievements include a TEDx talk, producing his own video game, and holding a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drone synthesiser.
How did the BBC select Look Mum No Computer for Eurovision?
The BBC confirmed that the selection came after an extensive search led by David May, the UK Eurovision Project Director, and Andrew Cartmell, Executive Producer and Head of Delegation for the UK at BBC Studios.
🇬🇧 BREAKING: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will be representing the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2026.
His entry will be released in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/leao8N7lAb
— ESC Discord (@ESCdiscord) February 17, 2026
BBC executives have suggested the decision was based on his strong public appeal, distinct sound and performance style, and his ability to deliver a memorable stage moment, a factor that has become crucial in modern Eurovision scoring.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said the artist reflects the kind of originality Eurovision rewards. “He embodies the creativity and ambition that the Eurovision stage seeks to showcase.”
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of BBC Studios Entertainment, also praised his ability to connect with audiences, describing his style as both original and exciting for a global stage.
When will the UK’s Eurovision 2026 song be revealed?
The BBC has confirmed that the official song will be revealed soon, with its first radio play planned for The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
The programme will also feature an exclusive interview, giving UK audiences their first clear idea of what kind of entry the UK will be sending to Vienna.
This approach mirrors recent BBC strategies, where early media exposure has been used to build hype and generate public discussion ahead of Eurovision week.
Why is Eurovision 2026 happening in Vienna?
Eurovision 2026 will take place in Vienna after JJ won Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Wasted Love”.
Under Eurovision tradition, the winning country earns the right to host the following year’s competition.
Vienna is one of Europe’s best-known cultural capitals, and the city’s music history makes it a symbolic setting for Eurovision’s 70th edition.
Why does this Eurovision announcement matter for the UK?
The UK’s Eurovision performance has faced criticism in recent years, with many viewers questioning whether British entries have been bold enough to compete against more adventurous European acts.
Look Mum No Computer could represent a major shift in that mindset. His identity is built around experimentation and originality, and his fanbase has grown through real community engagement rather than mainstream label marketing.
This choice may also reflect a wider change in UK entertainment trends, where online creators and alternative performers now hold cultural influence equal to traditional chart artists.
For Eurovision, where memorable visuals and uniqueness often outperform safe pop tracks, the BBC may be betting that his eccentric performance style will help the UK stand out.
