The Eurovision Song Contest, a global spectacle of music and drama, has seen its fair share of memorable moments, but not all of them are glorious. The UK, a frequent participant, has had its fair share of embarrassing moments on the international stage. From the hilariously off-key to the simply cringe-worthy, these are the 10 biggest Eurovision flops from the UK, each one a testament to the unpredictable nature of the contest.
- Jemini (2003):
The UK's first-ever nul points went to Liverpudlian stage school alumni Chris Cromby and Gemma Abbey, who performed the off-key 'Cry Baby' in Latvia. The duo's performance was plagued by a technical fault, with them insisting they couldn't hear the backing track. This debacle was so bad that it sparked a post-Iraq war backlash, with BBC commentator Terry Wogan and talent show judge Louis Walsh offering scathing critiques. The public's reaction was swift and harsh, with calls for the UK to quit the contest in protest.
- Josh Dubovie (2010):
Pete Waterman's optimistic 'That Sounds Good to Me' was a naff Europop confection that failed to resonate with the audience. Despite a Facebook campaign to get it to No 1 in Eurovision week, it charted at a disappointing 179. On the night in Oslo, it scored a mere 10 points, leading to Josh Dubovie's stage name change to Josh James to help him 'move on'.
- Look Mum No Computer (2026):
The UK's quest for novelty value backfired with 'Eins, Zwei, Drei' by Sam Battle. The song received a solitary point from the juries and zero from the viewer vote, resulting in the UK's third time coming last since 2020. Battle conceded the song was 'Marmite', and voters agreed, serving him on toast. This performance sparked geopolitical conspiracy theories and head-scratching about how to improve the UK's Eurovision fortunes.
- Michael Rice (2019):
Michael Rice, a former busker from Hartlepool, won the forgettable BBC singing show 'All Together Now' the previous year. His power ballad 'Bigger Than Us' in Tel Aviv scored just 16 points, with further embarrassment when he was deducted five points due to a mix-up with the Belarusian jury. This was a cruel twist of fate for a performer who had already faced criticism for his forgettable performance.
- Engelbert Humperdinck (2012):
The UK's entry of 76-year-old Gerry Dorsey, now known as Engelbert Humperdinck, sounded like a joke and was treated as such by voters. His treacly 'Love Will Set You Free' scored just 12 points and finished 25th out of 26, with the great British public taking it with good grace and calls to quit the contest in protest.
- Scooch (2007):
The bubblegum pop quartet's 'Flying the Flag (For You)' was a camp performance with innuendo-laden lyrics. They scored 12 points from Malta and seven from Ireland, leaving them second from last. The press described it as 'a crash landing', and the performance was a stark reminder of the fine line between camp and cringe.
- Electro Velvet (2015):
The duo's faux-vintage 'Still in Love With You' included a scat interlude and was unflatteringly compared to the Birds Eye potato waffles jingle. Diane Abbott MP tweeted her disdain, and the song scored a measly five points. One half of the duo, Alex 'Larkey' Larke, now sings in a tribute band called The Rollin' Clones, a testament to the enduring nature of Eurovision flops.
- James Newman (2021):
James Newman, a seasoned hit-maker, suffered the ignominy of being the UK entry twice. His 2020 entry, 'My Last Breath', was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, and he entered again in 2021 with 'Embers'. This song became the second British act in history to receive nul points, finishing last. Newman's double dose of Eurovision disappointment is a reminder of the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the contest.
- Andy Abraham (2008):
'Andy the Binman', an X Factor runner-up who had worked as a refuse collector, won the selection contest 'Eurovision: Your Decision' with 'Even If'. His performance in Belgrade, second on the bill, came last with only 14 points. The Irish entry, Dustin the Turkey, was knocked out in the semi-final, raising suspicions of foul play.
- Boy George (2026):
Boy George, a pop icon, was roped in to add star power to San Marino's entry but failed to even qualify for the final. This was a chastening week for Britons in Vienna, as the UK hasn't won the annual pop party for almost three decades. The UK's Eurovision journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, with each flop serving as a lesson in the art of performance and the unpredictable nature of public taste.
