A former Eurovision floor assistant has lifted the lid on the strict backstage rules/
A former floor assistant who worked behind the scenes at Eurovision has lifted the lid on what the experience is truly like.
Gareth Davies witnessed the Song Contest from a uniquely privileged position when it arrived in Birmingham in 1998, as he was among those responsible for keeping the live broadcast running like clockwork.
That year, Israeli singer Dana International claimed victory with Diva, becoming the first openly transgender artist to be crowned champion.
This Saturday, Eurovision 2026 takes place in Vienna, marking the 70th Song Contest. Last year saw Austrian singer JJ triumph at the competition, which was held in Basel, Switzerland.
The UK is represented this year by electronic music artist and tech creator Look Mum No Computer, who will be performing Eins, Zwei, Drei, reports the Express.
The Song Contest has been mired in controversy, with several countries withdrawing their entries and boycotting over Israel’s involvement. Eurovision 2026 has featured 35 entrants, with 25 securing their place in the Grand Final.
Reflecting on his time working at Eurovision in 1998, Davies described it as “one big party” but acknowledged that a strict set of rules was firmly in place, including measures to prevent the stars from behaving like divas.
He told Betway Insider that people would be taken aback to learn just what a “well-oiled machine” Eurovision is behind the scenes, and quite how many people are needed to stage the spectacular show.
Gareth said: “Watching it from home, because it looks so slick, you’d never really know how difficult those routines have been to pull off, and you only get one moment to get it right.
“One thing most people might not realise is that in Eurovision Song Contest rehearsals, everything is timed. You’re given a set amount of time for each rehearsal because everything has to be fair and above board.
“It’s not like you come on stage and take your time until everyone’s happy and then break for coffee. It’s very much: you come onto that stage bang on 10 o’clock, and at 10:30 you’re off.
“So when it comes to the rules of the game and keeping things fair for every single artist, that’s hugely important. And I think that probably also stops any kind of diva behaviour you might expect.
“There’s just no room for complaints or grievances because everything is as fair and structured as it can possibly be. It doesn’t matter who you are; you don’t get preferential treatment.”
Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle, will be performing at the final on Saturday, in the bid to become the first British entry to win since 1997.
“It could go well or completely wrong – I’m just here for the ride,” he previously told the BBC.
He added: “Watching the semi-finals yesterday I thought, maybe we’ve got something a bit different.
“What we’re doing is Marmite – you either love it or hate it – but I think there’s a slot open for our sort of thing.”
“I always say to expect nothing,” he went on. “Because if you expect nothing, you lose nothing.
“And anyway, after Saturday night’s over, I’m getting straight on the plane and going back to nappy changing duties.”
Eurovision 2026 final airs on Saturday 16 May at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
