Graham Norton, the UK's Eurovision host, has shared his candid two-word verdict on the nation's entry for this year's competition. The 63-year-old presenter, who has been the face of the UK's Eurovision coverage since 2009, described Look Mum No Computer's song as a "big banger."
Look Mum No Computer: A Departure from Tradition
Look Mum No Computer, the creation of YouTuber and electronic musician Sam Battle, is set to compete against 24 other acts in the grand final tonight (Saturday, May 16). According to Norton, the entry marks a significant shift from the UK's usual Eurovision offerings. Speaking on his podcast Wanging On, which he co-hosts with actress and presenter Maria McErlane, Norton expressed optimism about the act's chances.
"This year, the UK are taking a big swing, because it's a big, techno-dance thing. It does not sound like a song from the UK," Norton said. "Which is indicated by the fact it's called Ein, Zwei, Drei (German for one, two, three). It's very European, but it is a big banger."
UK's Eurovision History
The UK last won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves. McErlane noted that the UK has "tried everything else" without much success, a sentiment Norton echoed. "Exactly, it will get the arena going. Also, it's an odd year. There's no real theme for these songs. You know normally, there's lots of dance music, lots of ballads, there's something dominant," he added.
Look Mum No Computer is one of four entries that qualified automatically for the final, along with Italy, Germany, and France, as they represent the largest TV markets. Spain, which usually also qualifies automatically, is boycotting this year's event due to Israel's participation.
Delta Goodrem: A Potential Dark Horse
Norton, who has heard most of the entries, highlighted Australia's representative, former Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem, as a potential dark horse. Goodrem has five top 10 singles in the UK charts and numerous hits in Australia. "She can sing like nobody's business. And it's one of those Eurovision songs where, you know, there isn't an octave left unturned. If she can do it on the night, it will be really spectacular," Norton said.
If Goodrem wins, it could pose an interesting situation regarding who would host next year's event, as the host nation is typically the previous winner's country. Norton speculated on a possible solution: "Well this is interesting. Last night I was doing an interview on Australian radio with Joel Creasey, he used to be the Australian commentator. He was saying that every year, Australia make a deal with someone in case they win, what country will host it. He feels that maybe they do deals with multiple countries but don't tell anyone."
Catch the UK's Eurovision coverage tonight (Saturday, May 16) from 8pm to 11.50pm on BBC One.
