Eurovision 2026: Vienna Hosts 70th Edition as UK Entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER Prepares for Grand Final

Key facts

• The 70th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Vienna, Austria, last hosted in 2015.
• 35 countries compete, with 25 advancing to the Grand Final on May 16.
• UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER performs 'Eins, Zwei, Drei' in the second Semi-Final on May 14.
• The UK, as a Big Four country, automatically qualifies for the Grand Final.
• BBC coverage spans TV, radio, and digital, with commentators Graham Norton, Rylan, Sara Cox, and Angela Scanlon.
• The 2025 Grand Final averaged 7.1 million UK viewers, including 1.2 million aged 16-34.
• First rehearsals begin May 2, with a live blog on Reddit and sneak peeks on Instagram and Facebook.

Vienna Welcomes the World for Eurovision's 70th Anniversary

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is set to unfold in Vienna, Austria, marking a return to the city that last hosted the competition in 2015. From May 12 to 16, the Wiener Stadthalle will stage two Semi-Finals and the Grand Final, as 35 competing nations vie for the crown. Austria, as the reigning champion and host, automatically qualifies for the Grand Final alongside the Big Four countries: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. The contest's milestone edition comes 11 years after Austria's previous victory, and the nation is leveraging its cultural heritage—alpine landscapes, classical music, coffee houses, Wiener Schnitzel, and apple strudel—to welcome global audiences. The BBC, the UK's official broadcaster, has announced a comprehensive slate of programming across television, radio, and digital platforms to cover the event.

UK Entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER Takes the Stage

Representing the United Kingdom is LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, performing the song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'. The act will make its first Eurovision appearance during the second Semi-Final on Thursday, May 14, where UK viewers can vote for their favorites. As a Big Four nation, the UK has a guaranteed spot in Saturday's Grand Final, ensuring that British audiences will see their entry compete for the top prize. The BBC's head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, expressed excitement about the act's potential, stating: 'I am so excited for audiences to discover what our UK act LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER has in store for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance!' The broadcaster is positioning the contest as a unifying national event, with Patel-Knight adding that Eurovision 'brings the nation together for an unmissable night of joy.'

BBC's Extensive Coverage and Commentator Lineup

The BBC will broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds. The commentator lineup includes veteran host Graham Norton, Eurovision enthusiast Rylan, radio personality Sara Cox, and newcomer Angela Scanlon. Former Drag Race UK winner Tia Kofi will provide behind-the-scenes coverage for the BBC's digital channels. The Grand Final on May 16 will air from 8 p.m., with the Semi-Finals scheduled for May 12 and 14. The BBC's coverage aims to replicate the success of the 2025 Grand Final, which drew an average audience of 7.1 million in the UK, including 1.2 million viewers aged 16-34. Eurovision remains one of the BBC's most popular entertainment programs, particularly among younger audiences.

Rehearsals and Behind-the-Scenes Access

Rehearsals for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest begin on May 2, with each of the 35 acts taking the Wiener Stadthalle stage for first and second rehearsals. These sessions are closed to the press, but delegations will review recordings to refine visuals, camera work, and choreography. Makeup consultations follow the first rehearsal. The Eurovision Song Contest's official channels will offer fans exclusive access. A live blog on Reddit will cover all first rehearsals, detailing pyro, props, choreography, and costumes. Approximately 24 hours after each rehearsal, sneak peeks will appear on Instagram and Facebook. A Drop-In Studio backstage will film behind-the-scenes videos with the 'Class of '26' artists.

Viewing Figures and Cultural Impact

Eurovision's enduring popularity is reflected in its UK viewership: the 2025 Grand Final reached an average of 7.1 million people, with 1.2 million in the key 16-34 demographic. The contest is a staple of the BBC's entertainment lineup, drawing audiences for both the live broadcasts and digital content. The 70th edition underscores the event's evolution from a song competition to a cultural phenomenon. The BBC's Patel-Knight emphasized the broadcaster's role as 'the home of Eurovision in the UK,' offering a 'treasure trove of brilliant content' across platforms. With the contest now in its seventh decade, it continues to attract new generations of fans.

What Lies Ahead: The Road to the Grand Final

Artists begin arriving in Vienna on May 1, with rehearsals starting the following day. The first Semi-Final on May 12 will see 10 countries advance, followed by another 10 from the second Semi-Final on May 14. The remaining five finalists come from the Big Four and host nation Austria. The Grand Final on May 16 will determine who succeeds last year's winner, JJ, as Eurovision champion. For UK viewers, the night promises a blend of competition and spectacle, with the BBC encouraging parties and family gatherings. As the contest celebrates its 70th anniversary, all eyes are on Vienna to see which act will claim the crown.

The bottom line

• The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is hosted in Vienna, Austria, with 35 countries competing from May 12-16.
• UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER performs 'Eins, Zwei, Drei' and automatically qualifies for the Grand Final as a Big Four nation.
• BBC coverage includes live broadcasts on TV, radio, and digital, with commentators Graham Norton, Rylan, Sara Cox, and Angela Scanlon.
• Rehearsals begin May 2, with fan access via Reddit live blog, Instagram, and Facebook sneak peeks.
• The 2025 Grand Final averaged 7.1 million UK viewers, highlighting Eurovision's strong appeal among younger audiences.
• The contest marks a milestone anniversary, with Austria leveraging its cultural heritage to welcome global audiences.