Look Mum No Computer Shines at Eurovision as Israel Faces Mixed Reactions

UK’s Eurovision Entry Shines with Energetic Performance

The UK’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, Look Mum No Computer, delivered a vibrant and energetic performance at the grand final. The act, whose real name is Sam Battle, performed his song "Eins, Zwei, Drei" at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. Battle was joined by dancers dressed as computers, creating a lively and interactive stage presence.

At one point during the performance, Battle encouraged the audience to sing along, chanting, “When I say eins, you say zwei.” This call-and-response moment added an engaging element to the show.

Dressed in a pink boiler suit, Battle played a synthesizer while performing in a mock workshop setting, complete with fluffy headwear. His performance concluded with him ending up in a cardboard box, adding a whimsical touch to the act.

Before the competition, Battle shared that he created many of the stage props himself. He is well-known for his YouTube career, which began in 2013. His content features quirky musical instruments, such as an organ made from Furby toys and a triple oscillator synthesizer constructed from Nintendo Game Boy consoles.

Mixed Reception for Israel’s Entrant

Israel’s entrant, Noam Bettan, performed his song "Michelle," which was sung in English, Hebrew, and French. While his performance was generally well-received, there were moments of mixed reactions from the crowd, including some chants and booing. Despite this, the audience displayed numerous Israel flags and banners, showing their support.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic’s act, Daniel Zizka, faced technical difficulties during his performance of "Crossroads." He performed inside an elaborate hall of mirrors, but at one point, the visual effects became distorted and seemed to freeze. After the performance, UK commentator Graham Norton commented on the issues, stating, “A great performance vocally but quite a few technical problems there.”

Australian Star Delights Audiences

Australian pop star Delta Goodrem performed her song "Eclipse" at the grand final, representing her home country. Accompanied by a harpist, she eventually mimed playing a gold sparkly piano. As her performance reached its climax, she was elevated into the air from the top of the piano, surrounded by fireworks.

Goodrem waved to the crowd before leaving the stage, expressing her gratitude with a heartfelt “Thank you so much.” Her performance was a highlight of the evening, showcasing her talent and stage presence.

Greece Captivates with Video Game-Inspired Act

Greece’s Akylas captured attention on social media with his video game-inspired performance of his song "Ferto." The 27-year-old wore a tiger print outfit and eventually mounted a scooter, pushing it down the runway as fireworks erupted around him. His performance took him through various themed areas, including an Ancient Greece-inspired space, a golden vault, and a tiger print room, where he danced with a variety of characters.

The Greek delegation has been handing out replicas of Akylas’s hat to fans and media throughout the week, highlighting his popularity in Vienna.

Protests and Controversies

The final came after Bettan faced booing from the crowd during his semi-final performance, with some audience members shouting and later booing during quieter moments. This controversy followed protests in the Austrian capital over Israel’s inclusion in the contest amid its actions in Gaza. Countries such as Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia have boycotted the event.

The largest protest, called "No Stage For Genocide," was organized by Palestine Solidarity Austria and took place at Venediger Au, attracting hundreds of supporters. A march was also held from the city’s western train station to the Wiener Stadthalle, though police directed protesters away from the venue.

Earlier this week, Amnesty International criticized the European Broadcasting Union for not suspending Israel from the contest, drawing comparisons to its decision to exclude Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The group called the decision an act of “cowardice” and a “blatant double standard.”

Israel’s 2025 entrant, Yuval Raphael, received the most public votes last May, finishing runner-up to JJ after jury votes were considered. Two protesters attempted to storm the stage and throw paint during her performance last year.