Look Mum, No Computer – Eurovision Final Amid Israel Boycott

UK’s Look Mum No Computer to Perform in Eurovision Grand Final

Look Mum No Computer, the UK’s entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest, will perform in the grand final on Saturday alongside Israel’s Noam Bettan. This year's event has sparked controversy due to Israel's participation, leading to a boycott by five nations. The competition will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.

Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, will perform 14th in the running order. He first gained popularity through his YouTube channel, which he started in 2013. Battle is known for creating unique musical instruments, such as an organ made from Furby toys and a triple oscillator synthesizer crafted from Nintendo Game Boy consoles.

Israeli entrant Noam Bettan, 28, faced a mixed reception during his semi-final performance. He was booed by some audience members during his song "Michelle." This backlash came amid widespread protests in Vienna over Israel's inclusion in the contest, particularly due to its actions in Gaza.

The protests were organized by groups like Palestine Solidarity Austria, with one of the largest events being the "No Stage For Genocide" rally at Venediger Au. Marco Wanjura, a member of the organizing team, stated that the European Song Contest claims to stand for solidarity and diversity, yet it is hosting a country accused of committing genocide in Gaza.

Protesters also marched from Vienna's western train station toward the venue, but police redirected them away from the Wiener Stadthalle. Amnesty International criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for not suspending Israel from the contest, comparing it to the action taken against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Israel's 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, received the most public votes last May, finishing as runner-up to Austria's JJ. During last year's contest, two protesters attempted to storm the stage and throw paint.

Look Mum No Computer won't be the only British-born performer in the final. Antigoni Buxton, a former Love Island contestant, will represent Cyprus with her song "Jalla." She competed in the eighth series of the reality TV show in 2022.

Veteran British pop star Boy George was involved in the competition but was eliminated in the first semi-final. He performed with San Marino's entrant Senhit on the song "Superstar," which he co-wrote.

Australia's entrant, Delta Goodrem, will also perform. Known for hits like "Lost Without You" and "Born To Try," she will sing "Eclipse." Her performance will feature her being lifted into the air from the top of a golden piano.

Other notable performances include Greece's Akylas, who will use video game-inspired staging, and Romania's Alexandra Capitanescu, who will perform while attached to her band via illuminated wires.

Lithuania's Lion Ceccah will open in a grim reaper-style costume, painted silver. The final will begin with a performance from last year's winner, JJ, and a medley of classic Eurovision songs to celebrate the competition's 70th anniversary.

The competing countries in the grand final include Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will take place on Saturday at 8pm and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.