Back on song...joy at best Eurovision for UK in 20 years
SAM Ryder rocketed the UK back to Eurovision glory with Space Man – and just hours later Ukraine’s winning star went back to save his nation from Russian invaders.
By clinching the runner-up spot, Sam, 32, gave the UK its first top-three finish in the song contest in 20 years.
He picked up 466 points as Ukrainian folk-rap act Kalush Orchestra, below, scored 631 with their song Stefania after a tidal wave of support.
Oleg Psiuk, its frontman, was yesterday seen kissing his girlfriend goodbye at his hotel in contest city Turin as he jetted off to rejoin the war effort – still wearing his signature pink hat.
Meanwhile Sam – who won the national jury vote on 283 points – said: “This is the tip of an iceberg. The UK is going to be a force next year.
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“It’s gonna be mad. The UK is going to bust down doors. I can’t wait to see it. Thanks to everyone for supporting me, that was an incredible, rewarding journey.”
He said he was looking forward to flying back from
Italy to his family in Essex: “I’m stoked to get home and have a curry with my family and a chat with my grandad, fill him in with everything.”
The TikTok star was the 22nd act to play for 7,000 fans in the Pala Olympico arena and millions of TV viewers. He wore a dazzling beaded suit to perform Space Man, written with Ed Sheeran collaborator Amy Wadge.
The BBC said Sam “was simply out of this world”. As winners, Ukraine should host Eurovision 2023. President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to – but organisers said a decision had not been made.