The UK’s eccentric contestant Look Mum No Computer will face off against Israel’s controversial delegate and favourite-to-win Finland in the Eurovision grand final this year – and another big contender is Australia.
On Thursday (14 May), the 70th Eurovision Song Contest held the second semi-final in Vienna, Austria, with all eyes on the UK’s contestant as he revealed his full performance of divisive song “Eins, Zwei, Drei”.
Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, drew a mixed response from UK viewers, as some delivered damning verdicts on the “chaotic” staging while others said they enjoyed it.
The heat also saw Australia secure its place in the main event with 2026 hopeful Delta Goodrem.
Having failed to make last year’s final, the Aussies have pulled out the big guns, sending the global pop star to Vienna. It’s a move that appears to have paid off, as Goodrem is going into Saturday as the second favourite to win.
Follow the latest updates below...
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Eurovision 2026 key points
- Boy George speaks out after his Eurovision performance with San Marino fails to make the final
- Meet the UK's 2026 Eurovision hopeful, Look Mum No Computer
- The Neighbours actor being hotly-tipped for win for Australia
- UK entry divides fans with 'bonkers' performance
- Grand final running order confirmed
Look Mum No Computer, ‘Eins, Zwei, Drei’ review – Blue Peter meets Berghain
14:21 , Roisin O'ConnorMy brilliant colleague Adam White reviewed Look Mum No Computer’s song representing the UK at Eurovision this year, it’s typically brilliant.
Favourite line, maybe this one: “Eins, Zwei, Drei” chucks together horny moans, plinky-plonky synths, thick stabs of bass, and a man who just won’t stop shouting. You’re desperate to give him the information he wants, but you just don’t have it. It’s giving “Parklife” gone wrong. It’s giving Guantanamo Bay.
Read the full review here:
Look Mum No Computer, ‘Eins, Zwei, Drei’ review – Blue Peter meets Berghain
Why Israel's participation is so controversial
13:53 , Rachel McGrathThere’s been a lot of talk about the fact Israel is taking part and the decision has led to boycotts from the likes of Spain and Ireland.
Our senior culture writer Louis Chilton explains what’s going on...
Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
The meaning behind Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' song
13:24 , Rachel McGrathShall we meet some of the other acts performing tomorrow?
Bulgarian singer Dara will be performing one of this year’s catchiest entries...
Meet Dara, the singer representing Bulgaria at Eurovision 2026
The dark tale driving favourites Finland to glory
12:47 , Rachel McGrathThe last, and only time, Finland was victorious was back in 2006, when costume-clad heavy metal rockers Lordi stormed to victory.
But if Finnish singers Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius are named champions tomorrow, it will likely be a far more emotional occasion.
I’ve taken a closer look at their road to the grand final, which will be an especially poignant moment for Lampenius...
The dark tale driving Eurovision 2026’s favourite towards glory
Running order confirmed for grand final
12:07 , Rachel McGrathEurovision organisers have confirmed who will be performing when on Saturday - which, depending on who you ask, may or may not impact the scores.
Denmark will be opening the show with some of the favourites including Israel, Greece and Australia all taking to the stage in the first half.
The UK’s entry will perform 14th - out of 25 acts - while Finland will be the 17th to grace the stage.
Hosts Austria will close proceedings.
See the full running order below...
How have the odds changed?
11:42 , Rachel McGrathWith all of this year’s acts having now performed at the semi-finals, the bookies’ odds have moved a little.
According to Gambling.com, Finland are favourites to win with some online bookies offering 4/5, while Australia have shot up to being close behind (4/1).
Israel are also predicted to do well (with odds of 9/1 to win), as are Greece, with a range from 7/1 to 11/1, depending on where you would place your bet.
What about the UK, you ask? We’re 250/1 to win. Eeek.
It could be worse though: hosts Austria are 500/1 to clinch victory for the second year running.
Delta Goodrem's journey to the Eurovision final
11:12 , Rachel McGrathGoodrem is easily the most well-known global star taking part in this year’s song contest, but her decades in the spotlight haven’t all been easy.
After finding fame in Neighbours, the Aussie singer swapped Ramsey Street for the recording studio. Devastatingly, just months after her debut album was released, the singer was diagnosed with cancer.
Our music editor Roisin O’Connor has taken a deep dive into Goodrem’s road to Europe’s kookiest stage...
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How Australia’s Delta Goodrem went from Neighbours to cancer struggle to Eurovision
Watch: Look Mum No Computer performs in semi-final
10:39 , Rachel McGrathHere it is - the UK’s much talked about 2026 entry.
I’ll be honest, I have not said good things about this song in recent months. But seeing it on stage last night among some of this year’s other contenders, I began to think it could be exactly what we need?
Watch the video below and make your own mind up...
Recap: The talking points from last night’s semi-final
09:06 , Rachel McGrathGood morning! The dust has settled on last night’s second semi-final and there’s certainly a lot to unpack.
It’s fair to say the stakes felt higher than in Tuesday’s heat, with a number of fan favourites competing and, of course, the UK’s entry performing our (divisive) song.
If you missed last night’s action or simply fancy a refresher, then here are the key points you need to know…
Look Mum No Computer labelled ‘bonkers’ - but was it brilliant?
As one of this year’s ‘Big Four’, the UK qualifies for the song contest’s grand final automatically but our act took to the stage last night anyway to perform his track “Eins, Zwei, Drei”. It was… well, it was a lot.
I have to admit, the song did grow on me and maybe it’s just pre-final optimism, but perhaps it’s so weird that it’ll prove to be a hit? We can only hope.
Love Island star qualifies
North London-born Antigoni, who has Cypriot heritage, competed for Cyprus - and got through! If you need a reminder, she was in Love Island’s 2022 series, a classic that was eventually won by Ekin-Su and Davide, with the likes of Tasha Ghouri, Indiyah Polack and Luca Bish also in the villa.
It’ll be interesting to see if her Love Island history sparks a high score from the UK on Saturday night.
Delta Goodrem bags Australia a place in the final
And not only that, she’s going into it as one of the favourites to win. Having failed to make it through the semi-finals last year, Australia pulled out the big guns for 2026, sending along former Neighbours actor and certified pop star Delta Goodrem.
It’s a plan that looks to be working as after last night’s semi-final - where Delta received the biggest cheers of the night - Australia has shot up the bookies’ rankings to become second-favourite to win.
Who failed to make it through?
There were 10 spots in the final up for grabs last night so sadly, we had to say goodbye to five acts. The nations that failed to make it through were: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Armenia, Switzerland and Latvia.
See the full list of finalists here…
The 25 countries competing in the Eurovision 2026 final
Thursday 14 May 2026 22:18 , Rachel McGrathThat’s a wrap on the semi-finals! What a night! As Rylan pointed out, it certainly seemed like semi-final two was tougher than the first, there were some real heavy-hitters competing.
Tune in to BBC One on Saturday at 8pm for the grand final - when we’ll also be back to guide you through the action. Good night!
Thursday 14 May 2026 22:16 , Rachel McGrath1So that means the five who sadly won’t be returning to the stage are…
- Azerbaijan
- Luxembourg
- Armenia
- Switzerland
- Latvia
And the final five who are in the grand final…
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Albania
- Denmark
- Czechia
Here are the first five countries to have made it through…
- Bulgaria
- Ukraine
- Norway
- Australia
- Romania
Right, this is it! It’s time to reveal who has made it through to the final...
Voting is closed!
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:53 , Rachel McGrathIf you didn’t get involved, then you’ve lost your chance!
We’ll soon find out which 10 acts are making it through - but not before a Eurovision quiz, which features afficianados including our lovely commentators on the Beeb, Rylan and Angela Scanlon!
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:49 , Rachel McGrathWe’re doing some backstage chats now, first up it’s Monroe from France being asked heavy-hitters, including: “What is your song about?”
And now it’s the UK! She’s chatting to Look Mum No Computer and Emily the backstage lady (not her official title) has brought him a cup of tea! Love it.
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:43 , Rachel McGrathFiller exhibit A: Host Michael has kicked off a performance of “I’m So Excited” on an acoustic guitar, which is genuinely way better than it seems on paper. And no, he hasn’t paid me to say that.
Voting opens
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:37 , Rachel McGrathOk… get your votes in now! You have about 15 minutes to vote via the official Eurovision website (and it’ll cost you! Have the bank card at the ready)
Of the 15 acts competing tonight - that’s all the performers apart from the UK, France and hosts Austria - 10 will make it through to Saturday’s final.
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:33 , Rachel McGrathAnd now, the final act! They really have sped through them, eh?
Closing the show it’s Norway’s Jonas Love, which is not a Jonas Brothers tribute act (though I think I’d kind of love that?). After this, expect a lot of filler while the votes are made and tallied...
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:28 , Rachel McGrathThat was Albania’s Alis just now with yet another dramatic number *and* another stunning, sparkly outfit.
Next it’s AIDAN for Malta and he’s singing in Maltese - which hasn’t been done at Eurovision in 15 years.
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:23 , Rachel McGrathYou know what, maybe it’s just pre-final optimism but that’s growing on me?!
And we’ll get points from Germany, surely? Look, I’m just going to defer to Twitter - sorry, X. Here are the thoughts rolling in online…
I hereby announce that the United Kingdom is resigning from #Eurovision before Saturday night.
— Jose (@josew1993) May 14, 2026
every time you think the uk has sent its worst entry they somehow surprise you and send something worse im crying #eurovision pic.twitter.com/uJGxfAaVV3
— dominic 💙💛 | 🇺🇦🇦🇺🇩🇰 (@dominic_esc) May 14, 2026
UK entry is so typically #Eurovision bonkers, it will likely do well. #Eurovision2026
— Sal (@Sjl170) May 14, 2026
Not the UK having some of the most chaotic staging I’ve ever seen at #Eurovision 😭
— BIGBROTHER+ (@itsbbplus) May 14, 2026
What the HELL just happened? #Eurovision2026 #ESC2026 pic.twitter.com/K2Tz0ttKEx
Oh dear...
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:18 , Rachel McGrathOk, we’re up now. Eeeek! I can’t lie, I don’t love the song. But maybe that’ll change with the performance? Maybe the rest of Europe is more fun than I am and they’ll love it?
Thankfully, as the UK is one of the ‘big 4’ (the nations whose broadcasters contribute the most to Eurovision), we’re guaranteed a place in the final whatever happens in the next few minutes…
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:13 , Rachel McGrathDelta’s a tough act to follow but someone’s got to do it - and that someone is LELEKA from Ukraine.
It’s another nature-inspired one, with a high note that lasts 28 seconds. She deserves a place in the final just for that, to be honest.
Thursday 14 May 2026 21:09 , Rachel McGrathNext up it’s Delta Goodrem. Yes, actual Delta Goodrem! The former Neighbours actor and pop star!
Unsurprisingly, she’s being tipped as a serious contender for Saturday’s final - but she’s got to qualify through tonight first.
Can I just say, I love that Australia is still in Eurovision and I’m so excited that they’re bringing out the big guns.
She’s got HUGE cheers in the arena. And the track, “Eclipse”, is lush too. A proper power ballad that breaks into a dancier vibe. G’wan Delta!
Denmark’s entry is Soren Torpegaard Lund. He’s 27 and not only does he sing, but he also acts and dances. He’s... a three-trick pony? Is that a thing? It is now.
Rylan has described him as “a pop Yungblud” and I don’t disagree.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:57 , Rachel McGrathGosh, we’re already on the eighth performance of the night!
It’s singer Atvara up now, for Latvia with a Disney princess vibe and a power ballad to match.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:51 , Rachel McGrathNow it’s Cosmo for Austria, who is also automatically through to the final thanks to the fact his country is on hosting duties.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:49 , Rachel McGrathCyprus time, now! The lovely host Michael has just explained that Cyprus has the record for the most appearances at Eurovision without a win.
And fans of a certain ITV show will recognise their singer… it’s Love Island’s Antigoni!
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:42 , Rachel McGrath Right, Switzerland now, Veronica Fusaro, who looks a little like Michelle Visage?
And it’s indie rock ballad time. Can’t lie, I love the sillier ones but I guess we do need some serious songs.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:41 , Rachel McGrathOk, now it’s Armenia’s SIMON. They love an all-caps artist name this year, eh?
It’s giving “went overboard raiding the office stationery cupboard” but we’re all guilty of that, aren’t we?
Lyrically, I like it. Mainly the line “this meeting could have been an email”. Is this just a man who has become so committed to raising workplace grievances that he’s found himself at Eurovision? I hope so.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:33 , Rachel McGrath At 17, France’s Monroe is the youngest of this year’s entrants. I’m loving this. If we could vote for her, I would.
Drama, opera and a Bjork-esque “Sssh”? Stunning.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:31 , Rachel McGrathSorry to Croatia, but (despite the impressive vocals) that was the most forgettable of the night so far, in my opinion.
Next up, it’s France - whose act Monroe is already guaranteed a place in the final, so you can’t vote for this one! Also one of our lovely hosts Michael has got changed and wow, just wow.
Thursday 14 May 2026 20:26 , Rachel McGrath It’s Daniel Zizka from Czechia now with “Crossroads”, which (disappointingly, if you ask me) is a song he penned and not a Blazin’ Squad cover.
Boy George speaks out after his Eurovision performance with San Marino fails to make the final
Thursday 14 May 2026 10:17 , Roisin O'ConnorBoy George might not have made it through to the Eurovision final with San Marino, but still had a “fabulous” time making his somewhat surreal appearance on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The Culture Club star joined the country’s 2026 entry SENHIT onstage in Vienna, Austria, during the first semi-final, where they performed her song “Superstar” together.
Fans might have been surprised to see the “Karma Chameleon” singer onstage at Eurovision on Tuesday night (12 May), however, he was confirmed as part of San Marino’s entry months earlier.
Full story:
Boy George speaks out about Eurovision elimination after representing San Marino