Following an extensive search headed by 2022 partners the global music management and publishing company TaP Music, the BBC today confirms that singer-songwriter Sam Ryder will be representing the United Kingdom at the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, set to be held in Turin, Italy in May 2022 with the song SPACE MAN.
With over 12 million followers and 100 million likes on TikTok, Sam is currently the most followed UK music artist on the platform.
The news was exclusively revealed by Scott Mills on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James earlier today (Thursday 10 March) with SPACE MAN having previously featured as Tune of the Week on Scott Mills’ Afternoon Show on BBC Radio 1.
As the world went into lockdown in March 2020, Sam uploaded the first of his now famous covers onto the popular social media platform and his extraordinary vocals quickly caught the attention of celebrity fans including Justin Bieber, Sia and Alicia Keys, who even posted her own video reacting to Sam’s cover of her song ‘If I Ain’t Got You’. As the videos kept coming, so did the fans with his social media standing on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook now at well over 17 million followers.
Having signed to Parlophone (part of Warner Music Group), one of the most famous and prestigious companies in the history of the music industry, Sam’s star has continued to rise. His debut EP was released in 2021 which has so far amassed over 100 million global streams with singles Whirlwind and Tiny Riot topping the worldwide iTunes charts. Sam has also just completed his first sold-out UK tour.
Sam Ryder co-wrote SPACE MAN with Grammy winning songwriter Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud) and Max Wolfgang.
“Having been a fan of Eurovision since I was a kid l 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!” – Sam Ryder
“The Eurovision Song Contest is truly a cultural phenomenon and an amazing opportunity – with 200 million viewers – for the right performer. As well as Sam having an amazing voice – SPACE MAN is an instant song that we’re confident will really connect. Not to mention he’s also an extremely likeable and engaging character – as evidenced by his TikTok following.”
– TaP Music co-founders Ben Mawson and Ed Millett
“It’s been such an honour working with the TaP team and the BBC this year in being part of the selection process for our Eurovision entry. I’ve known and supported Sam on Radio 1 since he started and I’m so excited for what he’ll bring to the night in Turin – we truly have a brilliant act this year!” – Scott Mills
The contest itself will take place in Turin, Italy following the country’s victory at the 2021 contest with the song “Zitti e buoni” by Måneskin. The Semi Finals will be broadcast on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 May at 8pm and the Grand Final will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer plus via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Saturday 14 May from 8pm.
For the latest information on the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2022, follow @bbceurovision on Twitter and Instagram and BBC Eurovision on Facebook.
