UK Eurovision act: The gave me a stress test to check I could cope under pressure

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. UK Eurovision act: The gave me a stress test to check I could cope under pressure16 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMark Savage ,Music correspondentandDavid Sillito ,Media and Arts correspondent, Eurovision Song Contest, ViennaEPALook Mum No Computer - aka musician and inventor Sam Battle - will represent the UK at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on SaturdayThere's an old adage that says confidence isn't about believing you'll win, it's about being comfortable with the fact you might lose. If that's true, then Sam Battle must be the most confident person at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. The musician – who performs under the name Look Mum No Computer – is almost comically unbothered about the scores that may await him (and therefore the UK) on Saturday night.

"It could go well or completely wrong - I'm just here for the ride," he says. And if worse comes to worst, he'll look on the bright side. "It's a really good t-shirt - 'Look mum, no points'.

The Details

"Look Mum No ComputerThe musician has turned everything from a bicycle to a speak-and-spell machine into functional synthesisersWith bookmakers ranking him as a 150/1 outsider to claim victory for the UK, it helps that Eurovision isn't a make-or-break moment for the 37-year-old. Before entering the contest, Sam already had a cult following for his music that uses home-brew synthesisers with a shouty brand of energised electro-pop. Equally popular is his YouTube channel, where 700,000 subscribers watch him modifying vintage cars and repairing decrepit church organs with the manic energy (not to mention the electro-shock haircut) of Back to the Future's Doc Brown.

He also operates a museum in Ramsgate, Kent, dedicated to resuscitated audio technology. Oh, and four weeks ago, he became a dad for the first time. "He's a healthy baby boy called Max and I love him very much," he grins.

In other words, Sam has enough to be getting on with. Whatever happens, Eurovision will be just another quirky addition to his CV. More on the Eurovision Song Contest 2026:A guide to all 35 Eurovision songsIsrael qualifies but Boy George is out of EurovisionAs it happened: The first Eurovision semi-finalEurovision boss: 'We're watching the voting very carefully'Another year, another controversy for Eurovision - but fans are sticking by itWhy Eurovision's fallout over Israel may change the competition foreverMeet the UK's Eurovision entrant: 'The is taking a risk on me'Everything you need to know about EurovisionTo hear him tell the story, though, he's here in Vienna by accident.

What Experts Say

"I was at the pub with my friend Johnny, and we were saying, 'Wouldn't it be funny to try and do Eurovision? Plan hatched, his manager emailed the to ask how they could apply. "And the said, 'Oh, he seems interesting.

Why not email us a song? '"They were impressed enough with the result to invite Sam to a writing camp.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.