Everything you need to know about Sam Ryder the UK's Eurovision star
He finished in second place!
With the best results in two decades, the UK's Eurovision entry in 2022, Sam Ryder finished in second place - so it's no surprise the whole country is still loving the TikTok sensation himself! Now with his debut album under his belt, it's clear that there's huge things coming from Sam.
Following his amazing performance of 'Space Man' during the Eurovision Song Contest final in Turin, Italy in 2022, and his subsequent tour and singles, here's everything you could ever need to know about Sam!
Who is Sam Ryder?
Sam Ryder is a fast-rising singer and social media sensation! However, since coming second Eurovision 2022, he is so much more! After racking up over 12 million followers on TikTok, Sam was chosen to represent the United Kingdom at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.
The singer, who can also play guitar, released his debut EP 'The Sun's Gonna Rise' in 2021, as well as dropping tracks such as 'July', 'Tiny Root' and 'Whirlwind'. The following year, after his epic performance at Eurovision, he released his debut album 'There's Nothing But Space, Man!'.
Sam Ryder at the BRIT Awards 2023
Sam was nominated at the BRIT Awards 2023 for Best New Artist - becoming the first Eurovision star to receive a nomination in the category! Although he missed out to Wet Leg, he gave a fantastic performance alongside David Guetta, Becky Hill and Ella Henderson at the ceremony.
WATCH: David Guetta, Becky Hill, Ella Henderson, Sam Ryder - Live at The BRIT Awards 2023
Who represented the UK at Eurovision in 2022?
That would be Sam Ryder!
Sharing the news in March 2022, Sam wrote on Instagram: 'Who heard the news!??? ABSOLUTELY BONKERS AAAHHHHH!!! Here’s something equally bonkers...the video for Space Man is out NOW!!! 👩‍🚀 Go check it out wherever you are in the cosmos 🚀'. (sic)
Ahead of the big Eurovision night, Sam went on a tour of Europe to promote his Eurovision track 'Space Man'.
Did Sam perform at Eurovision 2023?
Sam did perform at Eurovision 2023, on 13th May, in Liverpool. The singer was announced along with the Ukrainian 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra.
What were his Eurovision host city predictions?
Sam Ryder revealed in at interview with Fleur East on Hits Radio that he thought it could be one of two cities. Seven cities were shortlisted, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield.
After some thought, Sam said: "I mean I'd be happy with it anywhere, but Manchester seems like a good bet, or Glasgow. They're the ones that I think it could go to."
Now, of course we know that the host city was announced as Liverpool!
How did Sam Ryder get famous?
Believe it or not, Sam Ryder was catapulted to fame when he set up a TikTok account during lockdown in March 2020. Sam uploaded a number of videos of himself to the platform, performing covers of well-known tracks by artists such as N-Trance, Sia, Adele, The Weeknd, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Bruno Mars and Lewis Capaldi.
By the end of 2020, Sam was the most-followed UK artist on TikTok, which led to him being signed by record label Parlophone Records Limited.
What was his Eurovision song?
Sam announced in March 2022 he would be representing the UK with his track 'Space Man'. The singer wrote 'Space Man' with Grammy-winning songwriters Amy Wadge and Max Wolfgang.
Speaking about his involvement at Eurovision 2022, Sam said: "I don't want to let the stigma or fear of coming at a certain place in a table stop me from doing something and being a part of something that I enjoy so much.
"As long as I can go to Eurovision and know in my heart of hearts I'm going to do the best job I can then everything else is out of my control."
Listen to Sam Ryder's 'Space Man' below:
Although the UK have finished bottom of the leaderboard in recent years, Sam did us all proud by finishing in second place behind winners Ukraine.
Sam actually topped the leaderboard throughout the show during the Jury vote, before Ukraine won the overall show following the public vote.
Sam's New Year performance
Welcoming 2023 in style, Sam headlined BBC's New Year celebrations. The singer got the crowd pumping as he played a variety of songs, including epic covers of huge tracks like Beyoncé's 'Break My Soul', with House Gospel Choir, a selection of Taylor Swift songs, Elvis Presley's 'Suspicious Minds' and even a Queen medley.
Fans went wild for the energetic show, with one saying: 'He’s bloody brilliant, amazing set list, obviously has cracking music taste and it’s the purest level of joy you need going into a new year', and another adding: 'Whoever decided Sam Ryder should do the New Year’s Eve show deserves a medal. Just brilliant'.
How old is he?
Sam was born on 25th June 1989, making him 35-years-old.
Where is he from?
Sam is from Maldon in England. Between 2000-2007 the singer attended St John Payne Catholic School in Chelmsford, Essex.
Sam Ryder TikTok
After launching his career through TikTok, Sam now has over 14.6 million followers and over 135.9 million likes on the platform, and his content is simply glorious.
You can follow Sam on TikTok @samhairwolfryder.
When is Sam Ryder on tour?
Sam went on tour in 2023, which was his biggest yet! The tour was called 'There's Nothing But Space, Man!' and took place in March and April 2023.
Does Sam have an album?
Yes! Sam released his debut album 'There's Nothing But Space, Man!' on 18th November 2022.
How can I follow Sam on social media?
As well as TikTok, Sam is also very popular on other social media sites, such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X.
You can follow Sam Ryder on Instagram: samhairwolfryder
You can follow Sam Ryder on X: @SamRyderMusic
You can follow Sam Ryder on Youtube: Sam Ryder
You can follow Sam Ryder on Facebook: Sam Ryder
What does he sing?
As well as his Eurovision track 'Space Man', Sam Ryder has released a number of other original songs, in addition to his amazing covers on TikTok.
2019: 'Set You Free'
2021: 'Whirlwind'
2021: 'Tiny Riot'
2021: 'July'
2021: 'More'
2021: 'The Sun's Gonna Rise'
2022: 'Space Man'
2022: 'Somebody'
2022: 'Living Without You'
2022: 'All The Way Over'
His track 'All The Way Over' is from his debut album and was released on 4th November 2022.
When was the Eurovision Song Contest?
The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest took place in Turin on Saturday 14th May on BBC One. It is an annual contest and the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 11th May 2024, where Olly Alexander will represent the UK.
Did Sam Ryder perform at the Platinum Jubilee Concert?
He did! Following on from his incredible Eurovision performance, the 'Space Man' singer was announced as part of the line-up for the Platinum Party at the Palace on 4th June 2022!
He of course performed his incredible tune 'Space Man'!
Watch Sam Ryder perform 'Space Man' at the Platinum Party at the Palace:
Was Sam Ryder on a talent show?
He wasn't! Unlike a lot of famous artists who started their careers on shows like The X Factor, The Voice or Britain's Got Talent, Sam Ryder has never appeared on a TV talent show, he simply has social media to thank!
Who is Sam Ryder dating?
Although he keeps his romance very private, Sam Ryder is currently dating long-term girlfriend Lois.
Who are his celebrity fans?
Sam become an overnight sensation when the world went into lockdown back in March 2020, with the singer uploading covers to his TikTok account.
The 33-year-old has since landed praise from some major artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Bieber and Sia.
Alicia Keys has since reacted to Sam's cover of her hit single 'If I Ain’t Got You', sharing the below video to her own account, telling fans: "Yo, he killed this. This is hard for me to sing.”
Sia also praised Sam after he covered her single 'Elastic Heart', writing on Instagram: 'We all think you’re amazing! Well done dude! I love you, keep going.'
Guess the countries from the iconic Eurovision performances below:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
Check your answers...
1) UK - Bucks Fizz: 'Making Your Mind Up' (1981)
2) FINLAND - Lordi: 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' (2006)
3) SWEDEN - Loreen: 'Euphoria' (2012)
4) UK - Scooch: 'Flying The Flag' (2007)
5) SWITZERLAND - Celine Dion: 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi' (1988)
6) NORWAY - Alexander Rybak: 'Fairytale' (2009)
7) SWEDEN - ABBA: 'Waterloo' (1974)
8) IRELAND - Jedward: 'Lipstick' (2011)
9) UK - Brotherhood Of Man: 'Save Your Kisses For Me' (1976)
10) UKRAINE - Verka Serduchka: 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai' (2007)
11) UK - Katrina and the Waves: 'Love Shine A Light' (1997)
12) AUSTRIA - Conchita Wurst: 'Rise Like a Phoenix' (2014)
13) RUSSIA - Buranovskiye Babushki: 'Party For Everybody' (2012)
14) UK - Blue: 'I Can' (2011)
15) ISRAEL - Netta: 'Toy' (2018)
16) IRELAND - Ryan O'Shaughnessy: 'Together' (2018)
17) UK - Sam Ryder: 'Space Man' (2022)
We are proud of you Sam!
Now read:
Olly Alexander confirmed as UK's Eurovision 2024 act
12 facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest
QUIZ: Guess the country from these iconic Eurovision performances