Graham Norton has once again proven why his commentary is a must-watch for Eurovision fans around the world. Known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor, the 63-year-old Irish comedian has been the BBC’s voice of the contest since 2009, following in the footsteps of Sir Terry Wogan. Every year, he delivers a mix of jokes, jabs, and insights that keep viewers entertained and engaged.
For the 2026 final held in Vienna, Austria, Norton was in top form, delivering lines that quickly went viral on social media. Fans praised his “lethal” remarks, with many stating that his commentary is what makes Eurovision worth watching.
“Graham Norton you are savage,” one user joked, while another wrote, “It’s not Eurovision without Graham Norton and his sarcastic comments.” The sentiment was echoed by many, with fans expressing their admiration for his ability to make the event more enjoyable.
Norton wasted no time getting into the jokes as the show began, starting with a humorous comment about the performances: “There are lots of operatic-style vocals tonight! You may want to put the dog in the kitchen.” He then took aim at Denmark’s performance, referencing their “ill-advised mesh tops” and poking fun at the presenters, Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.
He described Swarovski as looking like “the heir to a jewellery fortune” and Ostrowski as “ready to make balloon animals.” His jokes continued throughout the night, with some of his best lines including:
- “Did she say something to annoy her stylist? Oh no, Essyla, one boot looks good. No, no, one boot looks better than two; out you go, there’s only 120 million people watching.”
- “What’s the opposite of chemistry? Woodwork.”
- “I’m told he’s dressed as a cat, but if your cat looks like this, you really should see a vet – ASAP.”
- “New to the music scene, he was a basketball player and a Big Brother contestant. The phrase ‘no stone unturned’ comes to mind.”
Norton also commented on the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest. When introducing Israeli singer Noam Bettan, he praised the “clever staging” and said he “performs very well.” However, he noted the mixed reaction from the live audience, saying, “Slightly mixed response in the hall. I’m not quite sure what we’re hearing.”
This came amid widespread protests in Vienna, with several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia, withdrawing from the competition. Spain, which is part of the Big Five, is also boycotting the event. Some have speculated that Moroccanoil, an Israeli beauty brand, being a long-time sponsor of Eurovision may be influencing the decision to allow Israel to participate.
Meanwhile, the UK’s entry, performed by Sam Battle under the stage name Look Mum No Computer, was a quirky and unconventional performance. Dressed in a pink boiler suit, he played a synthesiser while dancers in fluffy headwear mimicked a workshop setting. The act ended with him ending up in a cardboard box, much to the amusement of the live audience.
Despite the performance’s entertainment value, it didn’t win over all UK viewers. However, one thing is certain — Norton won’t be flying back with the UK act. In a recent interview with The Guardian, he joked about the experience: “The big thing I have learned is to find out what plane the UK act is getting home – and to be on a different one.”
As the contest wrapped up, fans were left talking about Norton’s sharp commentary and memorable lines. Whether it was his jokes about the performers, the hosts, or the political tensions, his presence added a unique flavor to the event. For many, Graham Norton remains an essential part of the Eurovision experience.
