Paul Dano Says 'Life Mostly Gets Better' as He Approaches 42 (Exclusive)

Paul Dano shares his perspective on aging with PEOPLE as he approaches his 42nd birthday in June

NEED TO KNOW

• The actor shares two children with his partner Zoe Kazan, whom he has been in a relationship with for nearly two decades

• Dano's new drama The Wizard of the Kremlin is in theaters May 15

Paul Danois enjoying the ride and embracing life as a parent as he glides through his 40s.

The actor turns 42 in June, but Dano, who stars in the new movieThe Wizard of the Kremlin, tells PEOPLE that fatherhood has played more of a role in changing his life than getting older itself.

"Probably the first thing I think of is actually not age that changed me, but probably parenthood is the first thing — where becoming a parent has forced me to grow up in a much different way," he says in a recent interview. "So I think more than turning 40 or or 41 or 42, it's sort of learning through my kids and how to meet them at the ages that they're at and what they ask of you."

Dano, who began acting professionally in the late 1990s and broke out in the 2000s,sharestwo childrenwith hispartnerZoe Kazan. Their daughter, Alma Bay, was born in August 2018, followed by their son in October 2022.

Off-screen, the couple live a quiet life in Brooklyn, New York. However, on the big screen, Dano is known for playing real-life figures like The Beach Boys'Brian WilsonandThe Batman's villain The Riddler, among other roles. Dano's latest movie sees the actor portray a fictional Russian man who rises to become one ofVladimir Putin's chief political advisors in the 1990s and 2000s.

"I think I'm very fortunate. I think life mostly gets better, so far," Dano says. "With age, we'll see if that hits a downward turn soon enough. I certainly can't eat as much as I used to, but otherwise, we're in good enough shape so far."

Dano costars in the new movie withJude Law, who portrays Putin, 73, as well asAlicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen andJeffrey Wright. The movie, which was filmed in Latvia, follows Dano's character Baranov as he shares the story behind his rise to power within Putin's regime in Moscow with Wright's reporter character.

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Making a movie so intertwined with 21st-century politics required both Dano and Law, 53, to do "our homework, so to speak" in order to better understand the subject matter.

"Honestly, no," Dano tells PEOPLE when asked if he generally takes an interest in history or current events. "But this made me interested, and it happened very naturally."

Dano also tells PEOPLE he enjoyed getting to spend time with Vikander, 37, and Law in Latvia during filming.

"I would say that on set is not really about downtime ever. I think it's really about staying in the soup of the character or the piece, but off set, we all need a bite of food and a drink at the end of the day or on the weekend," he says. "So, really lovely people to spend time with. Loved getting to hang with them and get to know them a bit, explore a new place. . .

Dano adds, "So it's kind of a tale of two experiences: one, where you're all in a hotel together and on your day off, you want to share a meal, and the other, the weekdays where you're really about the work."

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The Wizard of the Kremlinis in theaters May 15.

Read the original article onPeople

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 14, 2026

Paul Dano Says 'Life Mostly Gets Better' as He Approaches 42 (Exclusive)

Paul Dano shares his perspective on aging with PEOPLE as he approaches his 42nd birthday in June NEED TO KNOW The ...

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Operator of hantavirus-hit ship is awaiting more information before deciding on vessel's cruises

The company that operates the cruise ship at the center of ahantavirus outbreaktold The Associated Press Wednesday that it expects to know by the end of the week if the vessel will keep to its cruising schedule for the rest of the summer, as it previously indicated it would.

Spain Hantavirus Ship

The Dutch-flaggedMV Hondiusis listed on Oceanwide Expeditions' website as scheduled to depart on a cruise later in May that would take it to the Arctic for a series of cruises throughout the summer.

Three cruise ship passengers have died, including aDutch couplewhom health officials believe were the first exposed to the virus while visiting South America. In all, there have been 11 cases reported in the outbreak, nine of which have been confirmed.

On Monday, after the ship reached Spain's Canary Islands where all remaining passengers were taken off, Oceanwide Expeditions said that it did not “foresee changes to our operations” — which included a new cruise beginning May 29.

But on Wednesday the company said it expects “clarity on whether the vessel will sail and the sailing schedule by the end of this week.”

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More than 120 people on board during the outbreak — all passengers and some crew —disembarkedon Sunday and Monday and are now quarantined in several countries. The ship then set sail for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where it is expected to arrive on May 17 or 18, Oceanwide Expeditions says.

Twenty-five crew members, two health workers and the body of one of the passengers who died are still on board. None are showing any symptoms, the company has said.

Hantavirus usually spreads from rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people, though theAndes virusdetected on the Hondius may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure.

Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece, and Shastri reported from Milwaukee.

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 13, 2026

Operator of hantavirus-hit ship is awaiting more information before deciding on vessel's cruises

The company that operates the cruise ship at the center of ahantavirus outbreaktold The Associated Press Wednesday that it expects to k...

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Inside the furor plaguing Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin

NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats keep winning at the ballot box. And yetKen Martin, the man leading the Democratic National Committee, is facing a crisis of confidence among party officials who are increasingly concerned about the health of their political machine barely a year into his term.

US Election 2026 Democrats

Major donors aren’t giving. Liberal influencers are publicly questioning Martin's refusal to release an internal report on the party's failures. And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.

Amanda Litman, who leads the Democratic-allied organization Run For Something, said she's been approached by senior strategists in recent days gauging her interest in replacing Martin. She declined but said many in the party have lost faith in the DNC leader.

“I think it’s a really hard job, and also Ken is not doing it very well,” Litman told The Associated Press. “I honestly think he’s going to have a hard time rebuilding trust.”

Part of the challenge for those Democrats frustrated with Martin, she said, “is that there’s not really an alternative.”

The criticism has gotten to Martin, said two people who insisted on anonymity to describe private conversations. They said he's become increasingly paranoid, even inside party headquarters in Washington, where he did not install his own team after taking over last year.

Martin tries to press forward

The handwringing comes in spite ofthe Democratic Party'sundeniable success in the vast majority of elections under Martin's leadership, which coincides withRepublican President Donald Trump'sreturn to the White House. Democrats over the last year have dominated races for governor and special elections for state legislative and congressional seats. They've also won campaigns for state supreme court, county executive and even county sheriff.

Less than six months before the 2026 midterm elections, however, the concern over Martin's leadership is, at best, an unwanted distraction for a party desperate to breakthe Republican Party'sgrip on power in Washington. And, at worst, the conflict will make it harder for Democrats to win in November, while undermining faith in the DNC as it coordinates the party's next presidential nomination process.

Martin declined to comment for this article. He has sought to avoid media interviews over the last week, preferring to keep his head down while focusing on improving the DNC's financial health and scouting potential sites for the presidential convention in 2028.

While in Denver, for example, Martin hosted a crowded fundraising event before three private one-on-one donor meetings in between calls to more donors in other cities.

Former DNC ChairJaime Harrison, whom Martin replaced, said he’s upset and frustrated by those in his party who are publicly challenging Martin's leadership. Harrison was especially angry with Democratic operatives from the podcast “Pod Save America,” who pressed Martin during a recent episode about why he reneged on a promise to release a post-2024 election autopsy.

Even Martin's close allies described the interview as a cringeworthy moment for the first-term chair.

“Am I happy with everything that goes on in the party? No. Am I happy with leadership that sometimes you get? No. But do you see me going out at this juncture trying to make that case? This is not the moment for that,” Harrison said. “We have to be as strong as we possibly can going into November, because we have to win. Once we win, we can fight like hell.”

Asked if he thought Martin's job was at risk, Harrison said, “I don't think so.”

Martin's gamble

Martin is leaning into a 50-state spending strategy that his supporters privately acknowledge is risky.

The DNC each month is distributing $1 million among party organizations in every state and key U.S. territories, besides allocating $5,000 more per month to nearly two dozen Republican-controlled states, to help build party infrastructure.

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The investments are overwhelmingly popular with local leaders even as the DNC struggles financially.

The national party reported $22.1 million cash on hand with $18.4 million in debt at the end of March, according to its most recent federal filing. The Republican National Committee, by contrast, reported $116.8 million in the bank with zero debt.

Despite the criticism, DNC national finance co-chair Chris Lowe said the cash disparity is the result of an intentional strategy Martin outlined when running for chair and has executed since taking over the building.

“We made a conscious decision to spend money,” Lowe said. “His view, and I would agree with this view, is the best way to position ourselves for the presidential (election) in ’28 is not just to amass a bunch of money, it’s to have a history of winning elections all across the country up and down the ballot. And that’s what we’ve done.”

Lowe notes that Martin raised more money in his first year as chair than anyone else in an equivalent year when the Democrats did not have the White House. And in 2026 so far, he said, the committee has exceeded its big-dollar fundraising targets every month.

DNC member Michael Kapp, a vocal Martin ally from California, said that he'd “love to have big donors come on board” but that the committee's bank account isn't what matters most.

“Republicans can brag about having more money but they’re not spending it, and they’re not winning,” Kapp said. “At the end of the day the scoreboard matters more than the spreadsheet.”

The secret autopsy

Beyond fundraising, the furor around Martin's leadership centers on his refusal to release the DNC's internal study of the 2024 election — known inside the DNC as the “after-action report” — despite his past promises to do so on his first day as chair.

Kapp, as is the case with many of Martin's allies, said “it's certainly something that should be made public,” but he's willing to accept Martin's argument that it's too close to the November midterm elections to release the autopsy now.

“I know there are lessons to be learned from that,” he said of the report. “I trust Ken. I’ve known the man for 10 years. But at this point, when we’re six, seven months away from the midterms, we need to be focused on the midterms.”

Martin has been aggressively courting big-dollar donors, despite their demonstrated reluctance to give to the committee. He acknowledged pressure related to the autopsy in some of the conversations and indicated changes could be coming soon, according to two people with direct knowledge of the discussions but not authorized to share them.

As Martin looks ahead to 2028, when the DNC is tasked with building out the political infrastructure for the party's next presidential nominee, some presidential prospects are approaching the intraparty conflict with caution.

Kentucky Gov.Andy Beshear, who is expected to launch a presidential bid, did not answer directly when asked whether Martin should continue to lead the DNC.

“Ken and I work well together. And I say that being somebody who wasn’t originally on board,” Beshear said. “But he made an effort to reach out to me. And, listen, I want to work with whoever’s there. We need a healthy DNC. We need it to work.”

AP writer Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed.

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 13, 2026

Inside the furor plaguing Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin

NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats keep winning at the ballot box. And yetKen Martin, the man leading the Democratic National Committee, is faci...

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Happy Birthday, Stevie Wonder! See the 25-Time Grammy Winner's Life in Photos

Stevie Wonderhas done it all in his six-decade career.

The renowned musician signed with a record label at just 12 years old and went on to become one of the most decorated artists in history, winning 25Grammy Awards, anOscarand more. He has also been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame.

Away from the stage, he is the loving dad ofnine children: Aisha, Keita, Mumtaz, Sophia, Kwame, Kailand, Mandla, Zaiah and Nyah.

In honor of his 76th birthday on May 13, 2026, read on to dive into the life and achievements of one of the greatest, most gifted musicians of all time.

Stevie Wonder's Michigan Beginnings

Stevland Hardaway Judkinswas born on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. The child prodigy, who lost his vision shortly after being born, learned how to play the piano before the age of 9. By 12 years old, Judkins signed to his first record contract with Berry Gordy's Motown's Tamla label, which is around the time he'd impressed label executives so much that he'd earned the nicknameStevie Wonder.

Stevie Wonder Records with Marvin Gaye

A young Stevie Wonder manned the mic next to music legend Marvin Gaye at the Motown recording studio in Detroit in 1965.

Stevie Wonder Rehearses for Sounds of Tamla Motown

The up-and-coming star joined big acts — the Supremes, the Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Smokey Robinson — at rehearsals for the 1965 TV showSounds of Tamla Motownin London.

Stevie Wonder Guest Stars on 'The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour'

Musician and TV host Glenn Campbell joined Wonder as he performed on Campbell's TV variety series,The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,in 1969.

Stevie Wonder's Family at the 1974 Grammys

The star's mom and brother joined him at the 16th annualGrammy Awards— and snapped a photo with Little Richard and Chuck Berry — in 1974.

Stevie Wonder Live at The Garden

Stevie Wonder performed hits from hisJourney Through the Secret Life of Plantsdouble album at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1979.

Stevie Wonder Attends the MLK Gala in 1982

In support of Civil Rights and friends Coretta Scott King and Harry Belafonte, Wonder attended the MLK Gala at The Atlanta Civic Center in 1982.

Stevie Wonder Is Inducted Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Paul Simonof Simon & Garfunkel had the honor of introducing and inducting Wonder into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York City in 1989. Wonder took the stage with his daughter Aisha to accept his award.

Stevie Wonder Poses with Michael Jackson and Friends at the 1986 Grammy Awards

It was a star-studded event at the 28th AnnualGrammy Awards, where Wonder gathered with fellow music giantsQuincy Jones,Dionne Warwick,Michael JacksonandLionel Richiefor a photo.

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Stevie Wonder Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1996 Grammys

The proud dad brought two of hiskids, son Keita and daughter Aisha, to the 38th AnnualGrammy Awards, where he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award and Grammys for best male R&B vocal performance and best R&B song for "For Your Love." The musician has been married three times and has nine children.

Stevie Wonder Wins an Oscar for Best Song in 1985

The legend isn't just a Grammy winner, he's won an Oscar, too. Wonder earned an Academy Award for Best Song in 1985 for "I Just Called to Say I Love You" for the film,The Woman in Red.

Stevie Wonder Guest Stars on 'Saturday Night Live'

Eddie Murphydid the honors of playing Wonder onSaturday Night Livein 1983.

Stevie Wonder Embraces Nelson Mandela

The then-South African PresidentNelson Mandelahugged the singer and thanked him for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities when the African National Congress was still a banned organization in South Africa.

Stevie Wonder Performs at the Super Bowl in 1999

Gloria Estefanand Wonder headlined theSuper BowlXXXIII Halftime Show in Miami in 1999.

Stevie Wonder Is Honored by the Kennedy Center

Wonder joined fellow Kennedy Center honorees —Sean Connery, Judith Jamison, Jason Robards and Victor Borge — to have dinner, hosted by then-US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, at the State Department in Washington, D.C., in 1999.

Stevie Wonder Is Appointed as UN Messenger of Peace

Then-UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appointed Wonder to be the United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2009.

Stevie Wonder Is Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

PresidentBarack Obamapresented Wonder with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House in 2014.

Stevie Wonder as a Dad of 9

Wonder is a proud dad of nine kids born between 1974 and 2014. He shares two, Zaiah and Nyah, with his current wifeTomeeka Robyn Morris, but even though he is no longer with the mothers of his older children, he remains a present figure in their lives.

"I'm not one of those fathers who just send money," he toldO, The Oprah Magazinein 2004. "I guide them as a father and talk to them as a friend. I always want my children to feel they can tell me anything."

Stevie Wonder's Life Now

Although the prolific singer-songwriter has dialed back his musical output, he continues to use his talent and platform for good. Wonder released his first song in four years, "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart," in August 2024, and he performed on the campaign trail for presidential candidateKamala Harris.

He continues to take the stage for special occasions, such as a Motown tribute at the 2023 Grammys and a headlining spot at the 2025 Lytham Festival in the United Kingdom. Most recently, he performed a tribute at the funeral of his close friend, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died in February 2026.

Read the original article onPeople

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 13, 2026

Happy Birthday, Stevie Wonder! See the 25-Time Grammy Winner's Life in Photos

Stevie Wonderhas done it all in his six-decade career. The renowned musician signed with a record label at just 12 years old and ...

Read More

Sally Field Says Her Son Thinks ‘Steel Magnolias’ Is ‘Probably Why He’s Gay’

Julia Robertsreceived her first Academy Award nomination for “Steel Magnolias,” but the 1989 dramedy may have had an even more profound impact on one of her co-star’s children.

Speakingto Peoplelast week, actor Sally Field recalled her “wonderful” experience working on the movie’sLouisiana set, even sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of herself with Roberts and fellow co-stars Shirley MacLaine andDolly Partonat the wrap party. In the image, Field can be seen holding her son, Sam Greisman, who was just 6 months old during filming.

Buzz:Brad Pitt Confesses Which Female Co-Stars Left Him Starstruck

“We loved each other, all of us. We just completely adored each other,” the two-time Oscar winner said, noting that Greisman “was on the set all the time, and my friends took care of him.”

“Sam has always said that’s probably why he’s gay,” she added, laughing.

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“Steel Magnolias,” which also starredDaryl Hannahand the lateOlympia Dukakis, has been a favorite among LGBTQ+ audiences for some time. The movie, based onRobert Harling’s 1987 play of the same time, follows the lives and loves of a tight-knit group of Southern women before a tragedy strikes.

Harling, who also wrote the screenplay for “The First Wives Club,” is gay.

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Buzz:Barbra Streisand Gets Political With Robert Redford Tribute At Oscars

FieldsharesGreisman, now 38, with her former husband, film producer Alan Greisman. She also hastwo children, Peter and Eli Craig, from her first marriage to Steven Craig.

A writer and producer, Greisman has spoken frequently of his “incredibly close” relationship with Field. In 2023,he told Peoplethat an early conversation he’d had with his mother was “used verbatim” for one of her scenes on the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters.”

“My mom has given me permission to be messy, to struggle, to fight with her, to rage at her when I have no one else to yell at, given me permission to pick out all of her award show dresses, because... well, no explanation needed,” he told the outlet.

Ina 2016 radio interviewwith People’s former editorial director Jess Cagle, Field recalled how she “welcomed [Sam] to welcome himself” as he was coming to accept his queer identity. Two years later, shefamously encouragedGreisman to ask former Olympic figure skaterAdam Rippon, who is gay, on a date.

Buzz:Kesha Says She's 'Mostly Celibate' — Except When She's In Italy

Despite her lasting admiration for her co-stars, Field has shared someless-than-positive anecdotesabout working on “Steel Magnolias” in the past. Speaking toNew York Magazine’s Vulturein 2024, she recalled director Herbert Ross being “very, very, very hard” on Roberts, a relative newcomer.

As to why Ross ―who diedin 2001 at age 74 ― might have singled Roberts out, Field said: “Because he could be a real *** ** * *****, that’s why. Some people just need to have somebody they pick on. But we all came to her aid.”

Related...

• Sally Field Says Co-Star Got Her To Break On 'Mrs. Doubtfire' — But It Wasn't Robin Williams

• Sally Field Says Julia Roberts Was Mistreated By 'Steel Magnolias' Director

• Daryl Hannah Shreds New JFK Jr. Series In Scathing New York Times Essay

Read the original on HuffPost

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 13, 2026

Sally Field Says Her Son Thinks ‘Steel Magnolias’ Is ‘Probably Why He’s Gay’

Julia Robertsreceived her first Academy Award nomination for “Steel Magnolias,” but the 1989 dramedy may have had an even more profound...

Read More

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Who is the UK entry and how can you watch?

TheEurovision Song Contestslogan, “United by music”, gets more ironic by the day. The 70th edition of the competition is ploughing ahead in Vienna this Saturday (May 16), despite several countries boycotting due toIsrael’s participation, growing pressure on the UK’s entrant to also withdraw, and a high likelihood of vociferous protests on the night.

It should make for an even more bizarre Eurovision than usual, juxtaposing fraught geopolitics with the usual enjoyably bonkers, high-camp pop and retina-searing staging. So, who is actually participating (and sitting this one out), and does the UK have any chance of avoiding the infamous nul points? Here are all your burning 2026 Eurovision questions answered.

• Where is Eurovision 2026?

• When is the final?

• How to watch

• Full line-up and running order

• Who is representing the UK?

• Is Israel still in Eurovision?

• Who is boycotting Eurovision?

• Is Russia still banned?

• Is Scott Mills still taking part?

• The best acts for 2026

• How voting works

Where is Eurovision 2026?

We’re heading to Austria this year followingJJ’s victory in 2025with the glass-shattering techno-operaticWasted Love. This is the country’s third time hosting (the last stint was in 2015), and our base of operations will be the 16,152-seater Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. On hosting duties are TV presenter Victoria Swarovski (yes,thatSwarovski – watch out for some seriously bling accessories) and actor Michael Ostrowski.

When is the final?

Tune in for pop and protests on Saturday, May 16. For the true superfans – or just gluttons for punishment – that grand final is preceded by two televised semi-finals on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14.

How to watch the Eurovision final

The BBC is once again broadcasting all the action on BBC One andiPlayer. You can also follow along on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, should you wish to have the pure aural experience and miss out on such sights as a grown man running in a hamster wheel.

Of course, we would also recommend following along viaThe Telegraph’s dedicated Eurovision live blog for expert insight and a steady stream of snarky comments.

What is the full Eurovision line-up and running order?

This year, 35 countries are participating in Eurovision, and 25 will make the grand final.

The “Big Five” nations (although there are only four competing in 2026 – about which more shortly) get automatic entry to the final because they provide extra financial support to the contest. Last year’s winner also gets a free pass. So the final will definitely feature:

• Italy: Sal Da Vinci, Per Sempre Sì

• Germany: Sarah Engels, Fire

• France: Monroe, Regarde !

• Austria: COSMÓ, Tanzschein

• United Kingdom: Look Mum No Computer, Eins, Zwei, Drei

The running order for the first semi-final is:

1. Moldova: Satoshi, Viva, Moldova!

2. Sweden: FELICIA, My System

3. Croatia: LELEK, Andromeda

4. Greece: Akylas, Ferto

5. Portugal: Bandidos do Cante, Rosa

6. Georgia: Bzikebi, On Replay

7. Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen, Liekinheitin

8. Montenegro: Tamara Živković, Nova Zora

9. Estonia: Vanilla Ninja, Too Epic To Be True

10. Israel: Noam Bettan, Michelle

11. Belgium: ESSYLA, Dancing on the Ice

12. Lithuania: Lion Ceccah, Sólo Quiero Más

13. San Marino: SENHIT, Superstar

14. Poland: ALICJA, Pray

15. Serbia: LAVINA, Kraj Mene

The running order for the second semi-final is:

1. Bulgaria: DARA, Bangaranga

2. Azerbaijan: JIVA, Just Go

3. Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu, Choke Me

4. Luxembourg: Eva Marija, Mother Nature

5. Czechia: Daniel Zizka, CROSSROADS

6. Armenia: SIMÓN, Paloma Rumba

7. Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro, Alice

8. Cyprus: Antigoni, JALLA

9. Latvia: Atvara, Ēnā

10. Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund, Før Vi Går Hjem

11. Australia: Delta Goodrem, Eclipse

12. Ukraine: LELÉKA, Ridnym

13. Albania: Alis, Nân

14. Malta: AIDAN, Bella

15. Norway: JONAS LOVV, YA YA YA

Who is representing the UK?

The marvellously monikeredLook Mum No Computer. We’ve gone all down with the kids: our entry is a popular YouTuber (real name: Sam Battle), who is tackling workplace ennui through the medium of bouncy synth-pop and Germanic counting.

He has amassed more than 1.4 million social media followers by unveiling whimsical musical inventions that would tickle Wes Anderson – like a synthesiser made of Furby toys – and even has his own dedicated vintage museum in Ramsgate. He’s also a prolific singer-songwriter, and has legitimate musical experience to balance the effortful quirk: he used to be in the band Zibra, which played Glastonbury in 2015, and now tours as a solo artist.

Can the UK win?

Well, most of Europe’s voters seem to hate us, so probably not. Last year ouraptly namedsongWhat the Hell Just Happened?saw us finish in an ignominious 19th place. But might this be our year? Look Mum No Computer’sEins, Zwei, Dreiis catchy, naff, ridiculous and esoteric – in short, perfect Eurovision fuel.

It vaguely nods towards international sensibilities, but is also like a silly version of the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony: the music video features baked beans, digestive biscuits, and a flying Mini Cooper wheezing over the White Cliffs of Dover. It brings a (confused) patriotic tear to the eye.

The choice of Battle also perhaps acknowledges Eurovision’s growing Gen Z fanbase. The choice of a geeky, clip-friendly YouTuber might see the UK get its best result in years. Or we could get shafted yet again. That essential tension is at the heart of the Eurovision experience.

Is Israel still in Eurovision?

Yes, in short. Yes, but… is the longer answer. The 2025 contest saw widespread protests due to the war in Gaza: pro-Palestinian protestors attempted to storm the stage when Israel’s Yuval Raphael was performing, some audience members booed and waved Palestinian flags, and in the streets of Basel, protestors threw smoke bombs and burned Israeli and American flags. Despite all of that, Raphael performed strongly and finished in second place.

This year, 28-year-old Noam Bettan is entering the fray as Israel’s contestant. His songMichelle, which is sung in a mix of English, French and Hebrew, is about a toxic relationship with “the queen of problems”, and also, as far as I can tell from the music video, about Bettan buying every terrible leather jacket that Shein has to offer.

Wait, didn’t Israel rig the vote last year?

There were raised eyebrows when Israel steamed into second place thanks to the televote – and actually looked like they might win the whole thing for a moment. Several nations, including Ireland, Spain and Belgium, then demanded that Eurovision organisers investigate the voting system.

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It was subsequently established that the Israeli government had run advertising campaigns to encourage public votes, and that ads in 2025 received more than 68 million impressions. In response, the contest has introduced new rules: entrants and broadcasters are banned from taking part in third-party promotional campaigns (including those run by governments), and fans are now only able to cast 10 votes each instead of 20.

Martin Green, director of Eurovision, said: “One of the clearest messages we received was the need to strengthen trust in the fairness of the contest.” He added that “governments do not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, artists do.” To quote Ian Fletcher: “So that’s all good then.”

Who is boycotting Eurovision?

Ah, yes. Despite Green’s chipper hand-waving, it seems a few nations are still livid about Israel being in the contest at all – let alone their determined get-out-the-vote efforts. In September last year, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia threatened to boycott Eurovision unless Israel was excluded. In response, Austria and Germany said they would quit if Israel was chucked out, leaving organisers – who, lest we forget, wish us to be “united by music” – with a miserable dilemma.

They tackled that head on by announcing they would have an emergency vote on Israel’s participation in November… and then cancelling said vote following the ceasefire in Gaza. Alas, that did not appease the anti-Israel brigade, and those countries (Spain – which is normally one of the “Big Five” – Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia) are now officially boycotting Eurovision. It’s the largest number of boycotting countries in the history of the contest.

What about the UK?

The UK is still taking part – despite some furious opposition. In April more than 12,000 people signed a Palestine Solidarity Campaign petitionurging Sam Battle to boycott.

Meanwhile the campaign group No Music for Genocide has released an open letter urging public broadcasters, performers, fans and more to boycott. The letter asks why Russia remains banned from the contest – after organisers said its presence would “bring the competition into disrepute” – but “the same standard” has not been applied to Israel. It’s signed by the likes of Brian Eno,Kneecap, Paul Weller, Paloma Faith, Massive Attack, Sigur Rós, and Primal Scream.

Who else is protesting?

Nemo, who won the contest for Switzerland in 2024, has handed back their trophy in protest at Israel taking part. The non-binary singer released a statement on Instagram, writing: “This is not about individuals or artists. It’s about the fact that the contest was repeatedly used to soften ⁠the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insists that this contest is non-political.”

Dana International, who won Eurovision for Israel in Birmingham in 1998, has, in turn, denounced the boycotting nations, calling it a “violent and insulting” decision that added “only hatred and harm”. Once again, a reminder: united by music!

So Russia is still banned?

Yes, Russia is still banned. At the time of writing, no one is protesting that decision.

Will there be extra security at Eurovision 2026?

Oh yes. Vienna police are coordinating with contest officials to ensure the safety of the area around the Wiener Stadthalle, and conducting weekly threat assessments. Around 250 staff members from Vienna police and the interior ministry are working on security planning, and specialised teams, including explosive detection dog units, will likely be deployed in the run-up to the contest. There will also be background checks run on suppliers and staff, checks done on spectators, and airport-style security measures at the fan zones across the city.

Is Scott Mills still taking part?

Awkward. Mills was due to commentate on the Eurovision semi-finals and on the final on Radio 2 (as he has done since 2011), but wassacked by the BBClast month due to allegations of “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000. So no, he definitely won’t be part of the Eurovision team. The Sun has reported that Mills will be succeeded in his Eurovision role by Sara Cox, joining fellow commentator Rylan Clark.

Which acts should we look out for in 2026?

Putting all the many controversies to one side – let’s focus on the music. And the cheerful inanity of Eurovision. The current bookies’ favourite is Finland withLiekinheitin(or “Flamethrower”), which features angsty singing, literal flames, and a sexy blonde lady in a tinfoil dress dramatically playing the violin. It’s got everything.

Also keep an eye on France withRegarde !(yes, there really is a space before the exclamation mark, and yes, it’s driving me crazy), sung by 17-year-old Monroe, and Denmark’s thumping dance anthemFør Vi Går Hjem.

The UK isn’t the only entrant bemoaning office culture: Armenia is having a right old go as well (sample lyrics: “This meeting could have been an email / Free coffee won’t keep me here man”). Meanwhile Greece’s entry is a panic attack in human form, 50 per cent of Norway’s lyrics are “ya ya ya”, and Romania has courted controversy by selecting the songChoke Me, which campaigners say glamorises strangulation. Also Serbia has emotive death metal, and Australia is bringing out the big(ish) guns with actual chart-topper Delta Goodrem.

Wait, is Australia in Europe?

Not even a little bit, but here we are. Australians are superfans who enthused their way in. It was meant to be a one-off, in 2015, as part of the contest’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, but they were so popular (finishing an impressive fifth) that they were invited back. Eurovision also features Azerbaijan, so we’re really playing fast and loose with the “Euro” part of the equation here.

Do performers sing live?

Yes, it’s mandated in the rules that all lead vocals must be sung live – and in some cases, you can tell. (There is no corresponding rule that you must sing in tune.) Songs must only be original compositions and a maximum of three minutes long.

Remind me how the voting works?

Easily the most byzantine system of all these entertainment contests. In the final, contestants get two separate scores: one from a jury of music experts, the other from fan votes (cast via phone, text message or the official Eurovision app). Fans cannot vote for their own country.

The results are wheeled out in two stages in the grand final. First, the acts are ranked by jury vote, and then that order is slowly – agonisingly slowly – upended as each country’s spokesperson announces who they’re giving fan votes to, in the form of points, from one to 12. This is usually the time when the UK slides inexorably down the rankings, and we all lose faith in Europe, democracy and music.

Don’t countries just vote for their neighbours?

There is still neighbourly bloc voting, with the likes of Greece and Cyprus doggedly sticking together, year after year. Which is heart-warming. We need some certainties in life – and in Eurovision.

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 13, 2026

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Who is the UK entry and how can you watch?

TheEurovision Song Contestslogan, “United by music”, gets more ironic by the day. The 70th edition of the competition is ploughing ahea...

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Gisele Bündchen Shares Clearest Photos Yet of Her 1-Year-Old Son Alongside His Older Brother and Sister

Gisele Bündchen took to Instagram on May 10 to celebrate Mother’s Day with a handful of photos of her children.

The Gist

• One photo shows the clearest glimpse yet of her youngest child, a 1-year-old boy whom she shares with husband Joaquim Valente.

• The couple have never publicly released their son’s name, and often show photos of him from behind or the side so as to maintain his privacy.

Gisele Bündchencelebrated Mother’s Day with a new photo of her youngest child, whose name has still never been publicly revealed over a year after his birth.

On May 10, the supermodel shared the clearest photo yet of her son’s (adorable) faceon her Instagram, writing alongside it, “Nothing in this world fills my life with more meaning and joy than being a mom.” Bündchen shares her baby boy with husbandJoaquim Valente.

The carousel also included photos of her older children Benjamin and Vivian, who she shares with ex-husbandTom Brady. “I’m so grateful to experience life with them, learning and growing together every day,” she wrote. “Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, especially to my mama, who is always by my side in spirit and inspires me to be the best mom that I can be.❤️❤️❤️”

Elsewhere in the carousel, Bündchen shared cards she received for Mother’s Day, including one from Benjamin that read in part, “I will forever be thankful for everything you have taught me. Never change. I love you so much.”

Brady alsoshared a sweet tributeto both Bündchen and exBridget Moynahan, who is the mother of his eldest child, son Jack. On Sunday, the former NFL quarterback wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers in this world…❤️❤️❤️” atop a photo of the supermodel cuddling Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian.

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Marking her baby boy’s birthday in January, Bündchenwrote on Instagram, “I can’t believe it’s already been over a year since you came to bless our lives. Thank you, God, for so much.❤️ 🙏” That message came not long aftera post closing the year 2025where she wrote that her “heart is full. This year brought deep lessons and profound growth. Becoming a mother again reshaped everything—my time, my priorities, my heart. I’m grateful for these sacred moments that changed me in ways words can’t fully hold.”

The baby boy’s first name has never been revealed, though the supermodel hinted that it started with an “A” after she showed off a necklace with J, B, V, and A charms—for Valente, Benjamin, Vivian, and potentially her youngest child, as well.Peoplehas reported that the baby boy’s middle name is River.

Three months after welcoming her son last year, Bündchen toldVogue France, “Now that my little one is sleeping through the night, I’m back in control of my routine. As any new mom knows, it’s incredible how much sleep—or lack of it—can change everything!”

“But once again, I feel truly grateful,” she added. “Being able to be home with my kids and enjoy every moment with them is priceless.”

Read the original article onInStyle

byAsher Jeferson

in

May 12, 2026

Gisele Bündchen Shares Clearest Photos Yet of Her 1-Year-Old Son Alongside His Older Brother and Sister

Gisele Bündchen took to Instagram on May 10 to celebrate Mother’s Day with a handful of photos of her children. The Gist ...

Read More