Eurovision Song Contest fans were filled with fuzzy feelings as Sam Ryder returned to the stage after his triumphant year. The former TikTok star has become a firm favourite amongst the public after he led the UK to a near-win in Eurovision 2022.
The 67th edition of the world's biggest live music event took place at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena after a tight bidding contest between some of the country's biggest cities. It was Liverpool who emerged victorious after the UK was chosen to represent last year's winners Ukraine after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided it was not a 'viable option' for the country to host the contest.
Ukraine won a massive 439 points in the public vote and 631 points overall to claim the title last year. Tik Tok star Sam Ryder, who represented the UK, was one of 25 acts vying for the top prize during the climax of the week-long contest in Italy. And after the jury results, his act was leading the way with 283 points, 25 ahead of nearest rivals Sweden and grabbing a host of 12 points from across Europe.
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But in the end the UK came second with 466 points, with Spain finishing on 459 and Sweden on 438. And while Sam didn't win the Eurovision trophy, he won the hearts of the nation as well as played sold-out shows, sang at the late Queen's jubilee and released a chart-topping album.
On Saturday night (May 13) during the Eurovision 2023 grand final. the 33-year-old singer took to the stage in a trademark sequined jumpsuit reminiscent of his 2022 Eurovision outfit to perform his empowering new single, Mountain.
He performed with a host of backing dancers with disabilities and prosthetics as the public voted for their winners. The track features lyrics partly inspired by the struggle of the Ukrainian people and calls on listeners to remember they are “an unstoppable force of nature”.
A group of dancers all with prosthetic limbs appeared on stage with Ryder and Queen drummer Roger Taylor, who delivered a raucous drum solo alongside a guitar solo from Sam.
The performance, during the voting portion of the evening, included a ballroom dance from a pair of dancers before the troupe, wearing neutral tones, began playing drums that spat fire.
Mel Giedroyc said in the UK Eurovision commentary box: “He (Ryder) took that to an 11 and beyond…and he has the most fragrant hair in showbusiness, it’s floral with a note of Cheryl Baker.”
And in the meantime, viewers were flocking to social media as they gushed over Sam's performance and made the same demand. @chrisjlatimer tweeted: "Kinda wish we just had Sam Ryder do our entries for the next 5 years tbh #Eurovision." @TimGalsworthy commented: "I say we send Sam Ryder as our entry every year until we win #Eurovision."
@RebeccaL_H echoed: "I wish we could just have Sam Ryder as our #EUROVISION entry every year." @JaimieleeRen asked: "Oh god everything about Sam Ryder. Such a lovely talent. Love him #Eurovision." @InnovationMatt added: "Sam Ryder should just be the UK’s #Eurovision entry every year."
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