UK's Eurovision Act Revealed Amidst Past Controversy
The selection of LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER (real name Sam Battle) as the United Kingdom's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna has been confirmed by the BBC. The announcement, made on BBC Radio 2, comes shortly after reports suggested a prior UK Eurovision act was dropped due to concerns over "unacceptable comments and behaviour" discovered during a background check. The news places a spotlight on Battle's artistic direction and past online presence as he prepares to compete on the international stage.
Background and Artistic Profile
Sam Battle, a 36-year-old artist from Kent, operates under the moniker LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER. He is known for his work as an electronic music artist, singer-songwriter, and inventor of unique musical machines. His artistic endeavors include releasing singles, albums, and EPs, as well as a recent nationwide tour in Germany. Battle has garnered a significant online following through his YouTube channel, launched in 2016, where he showcases his custom-built electronic instruments. These include creations such as organs made from toys like Furbies and Game Boys, synthesizer bicycles, flame-throwing keyboards, and a Star Wars droid orchestra.
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Eurovision Selection Process and Past Incidents
The BBC officially announced LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER as the UK's Eurovision entry on Tuesday morning during The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. His chosen song, described as a "high-energy track" titled "What The Hell Just Happened?", is said to be a "feel-good song about a wild night out." This song will receive its first radio play and an exclusive interview with the artist on the same show in the coming weeks.
This selection follows a period of uncertainty for the UK's Eurovision bid. Weeks prior to Battle's announcement, media reports indicated that a previously selected act had been withdrawn. The reason cited was the discovery of concerning historic online comments and behaviour during a routine background check, which led to the termination of that artist's participation. The BBC has not publicly identified the artist or provided specific details regarding these past comments.
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Artist's Reaction and Ambitions
Upon learning of his selection, Sam Battle expressed his excitement, stating, "I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey." He also conveyed his commitment to representing the UK, saying, "I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously." He added, "I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what we’ve created." The artist, a self-proclaimed Eurovision fan, aims to deliver a performance that reflects his "bold vision, unique sound and electric performance style."
Eurovision Context and Previous UK Performance
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, in May. LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will perform for the United Kingdom in this 70th edition of the contest. The UK's most recent strong showing at Eurovision was in 2022, when Sam Ryder secured second place with his song "Space Man," which later reached number two on the UK charts.
Evidence
The BBC confirmed LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER as the UK's representative for Eurovision 2026. (BBC, Metro.co.uk, The Guardian, LBC, Eurovision.com, RTE)
The announcement was made on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. (BBC, Metro.co.uk, Eurovision.com)
Sam Battle is the real name of LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER. (AOL, LBC, RTE)
He is described as an "experimental" singer-songwriter, electronic music artist, and inventor of unique musical machines. (BBC, Metro.co.uk, AOL, The Guardian, LBC, Eurovision.com, RTE)
His song for Eurovision is reportedly titled "What The Hell Just Happened?". (AOL)
Recent reports indicated a prior UK Eurovision act was dropped due to "unacceptable comments and behaviour." (Metro.co.uk)
Sam Battle launched his YouTube channel in 2016. (LBC, RTE)
He has toured in Germany and built custom electronic instruments, including those made from toys and household items. (AOL, LBC, RTE)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria. (AOL, The Guardian, Eurovision.com, RTE)
Sources
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/uk-eurovision-2026-look-mum-no-computer - Official announcement and artist profile.
Metro.co.uk: https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/17/experimental-singer-confirmed-represent-uk-eurovision-song-contest-2026-surprise-announcement-26945618/ - Reports the BBC confirmation and mentions the prior act issue.
AOL: https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/youtuber-experimental-singer-look-mum-085901164.html - Details artist's background, song title, and performance location.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/17/look-mum-no-computer-uk-entry-eurovision-2026 - Confirms artist selection and location.
LBC: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/look-mum-no-computer-eurovision-5HjdSR52/ - Focuses on the artist's YouTube career and instrument inventions.
Eurovision.com: https://www.eurovision.com/stories/look-mum-no-computer-united-kingdom-eurovision-2026/ - Official Eurovision site feature on the UK act.
RTE: https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2026/0217/1558888-youtube-star-to-represent-uk-in-eurovision-song-contest/ - Highlights the artist's YouTube background and unique instruments.
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