United Kingdom: Sam Ryder chosen for Eurovision 2022 with "Space Man"

After announcing a partnership with TaP Music, the team behind the British phenomenon Dua Lipa, the BBC certainly raised expectations and anticipation regarding the country's Eurovision 2022 artist and song.

Now, the BBC has announced that Sam Ryder will be flying the Union Jack at Eurovision 2022 with the song "Space Man". Sam Ryder was revealed on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James this morning.

Sam Ryder co-wrote "Space Man" with Grammy winning songwriter Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud) and Max Wolfgang.

Sam Ryder

It was during the COVID-19 lockdown when Sam Ryder decided to upload his very first covers that quickly got the attention of massive superstars such as Alicia Keys, Sia or even Elton John. Ellen DeGeneres also loved those and shared them on The Ellen Show.

His social media exploded and by the end of 2020, Ryder had over 10 million followers. He even got crowned as TikTok’s most popular UK artist account for two years!

It was last year when Sam released his first EP ("The Sun's Gonna Rise") and since then he has focused on his music career mostly. He has become a huge name across the United Kingdom and seems to be ready to conquer Europe.

Sam Ryder admits that he has been a fan of Eurovision since childhood, and says:

– I am so honoured to have been presented with the opportunity to sing at an event alongside some of Europe’s most talented creatives, performers and songwriters. I hope to sing my head off in a way the UK can be proud of, and to showcase a song I wrote with my friends last summer makes the whole experience even more special.

– See you in Turin legends!

United Kingdom in Eurovision Song Contest

United Kingdom has participated in Eurovision Song Contest 63 times since 1957. United Kingdom only skipped the contest two times: 1956 and 1958. They have won Eurovision five times:

• 1967: Sandie Shaw – Puppet On A String
• 1969: Lulu – Boom Bang-a-bang
• 1976: Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses For Me
• 1981: Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up
• 1997: Katrina and The Waves – Love Shine A Light

...and finished in 2nd place 15 times! They came last five times: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2021.

United Kingdom is a member of "Big 5", so they don't have to go through the Semi-final qualifications, but are automatically qualified for the Grand Finals.