It’s that time of year again, Eurovision. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me it’s one of the few times my family all come together to watch all three shows live. Eurovision has always been a special thing, since I watched it first with my gran who had cancer, to now where I have been lucky enough to visit the last three Eurovision’s live. 35 nations take part this year, with the UK represented by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER and “Eins, Zwei, Drei”.

For many years Eurovision has been a political event, something I tried to deny until recent geopolitical events have impacted the contest. Five countries this year are boycotting the contest due to the continued participation of Israel in the contest. Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain have all put humanitarian causes first, showcasing their displeasure towards organisers for allowing Israel to remain. Eurovision remains a fractured contest and many fans have now turned their back on the show after dedicating their lives to it. 

Pro-Palestinian protests were seen in Basel last year during the Opening Ceremony – STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images

However, 34 songs should still be celebrated, here is my take on some of the favourites before the contest gets underway on the 12^th of May.

Finland – Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin (Flamethrower)

Finland sit at the top of the betting odds right now, and have been since this act won their national final in Feburary. Liekinheitin, which means Flamethrower in Finnish, is a dramatic pop-ballad with Linda Lampenius playing the violin, concluding in a dramatic fire-filled finale.

Linda will be playing the violin live on stage, becoming the first person to play a live instrument at Eurovision since 1998 when the rules were changed. She admits her pride in this saying “we are doing a duet and the violin is my voice.” Exploring the idea of a fiery yet frozen relationship, the song follows a person who changes moods and feelings, the lyrics and violin act as a method of conversation.

I would not be surprised if we end up in Helsinki next year.

Denmark – Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før Vi Går Hjem (Before We Go Home)

With a musical theatre background, Søren’s vocals are the biggest asset of this song. The song, the first in Danish in six years, mixes a ballad with a pop banger, building throughout the song to the final chorus where the beat truly makes you want to dance along.

Denmark haven’t had the best few years at Eurovision. Since winning in 2013, they have only qualified for the final four times, most recently last year when Sissal got to the final. Sissal tried to represent Denmark once again this year, coming close behind Søren in the national final.

Expect a good finish for Denmark.

Denmark rehearsing on stage – Corinne Cumming/EBU

Australia – Delta Goodrem – Eclipse

Yes it’s Australia in Eurovision, no they aren’t in Europe, and no I won’t be taking anymore questions. Having started their Eurovision journey in Vienna 2015, they return in 2026 with superstar Delta Goodrem. Previously having been on Neighbours, Phineas and Ferb, and The Voice, she takes to the Eurovision stage with a classic Eurovision hit.

Australia have never won Eurovision, they came close in 2016 but have struggled in recent years. Delta should get the country back to the final for the first time since 2023.

Sweden – FELICIA – My System

Sweden are back with a bang this Eurovision. Coming fourth last year with ‘Bara Bada Bastu’ (Just Take a Sauna) they are going EDM this year with ‘My System’. FELICIA is a growing name in Sweden, winning their selection show Melodifestivalen comfortably with a show filled with lasers, lights, and a mask she is yet to remove.

Sweden are joint best at Eurovision, winning seven times most recently in 2023 when Loreen took the crown for the second time. While Sweden probably won’t win Eurovision this year they have entered something different for themselves, bringing a club vibe to the Eurovision stage.

United Kingdom – LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – Eins, Zwei, Drei

Yes you read that correctly, the UK are represented by a song in German…no it’s just 3 words in the song. The BBC have taken a huge risk this year entering YouTuber and inventor Sam Battle, better known here as LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, to Eurovision. His song is a bit of a social commentary of life in the UK, life after Brexit, and general dissatisfaction with capitalism.

While I am glad the BBC have taken such a risk for Eurovision I have a bit of fear for what our end result could be on Saturday night. The past two years have seen the UK receive zero points from the public, so realistically any points from the public would be an improvement. LMNC is a great representative again, he’s just had a kid and yet is still bouncing around interviews and rehearsals full of energy.

Time will only tell how Europe reacts to our entry.

The United Kingdom rehearsing on stage – Alma Bengtson/EBU

Eurovision is full of weird and wacky entries this year, from ‘Viva Moldova’ to ‘On Replay’, there is something for literally everyone this year. The Song Contest is certainly not what it once was, trying to promote peace and love in a time when many feel dissatisfied with the contests reaction to Israel. The impact of the boycott will be felt by fans, only 15 songs will take part in each semi-final, and with Spain pulling out, only 25 songs will take part in the final.

Eurovision 2026 will be live on BBC 1 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8pm.