UK’S Sam in with a chance of glory in Eurovision final
UKRAINE are the odds-on favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest this year but the nation faces competition from Sweden, Italy and, most surprisingly, the UK.
The contest is known for its colourful performances and tonight’s grand final in Turin, Italy, is expected to be no different.
Frontrunners Ukraine are represented by folk-rap outfit Kalush Orchestra, who secured their place in the grand final with an impressive performance in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
Their song, Stefania, is an ode to mothers and the trials they face raising families, and the band’s live performance features synchronised dance moves, breakdance and flutes.
They have been favourites since Russia’s invasion, which prompted organisers to ban Russia from competing.
Among the rest, Sam Ryder is tipped to turn around the UK’S disappointing fortunes in the competition with his song Space Man.
The UK was bottom of the leaderboard in both of the past two contests, coming last in 2019 with Michael Rice’s Bigger Than Us, and James Newman’s Embers scoring “nul points” in 2021.
Tiktok star Ryder, 32, was selected in a new collaboration between the BBC and global music management company TAP Music, which also revamped the promotional campaign.
Other hotly tipped acts include Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, hoping to build on her country’s six victories with emotional ballad Hold Me Closer; hosts Italy trying to make it two wins in a row with Mahmood and Blanco and their piano-based duet Brividi, and Cuban-born Chanel, who represents Spain with her dance number Slomo.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs at 8pm on Saturday on BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC iplayer.