News about the BBC’s plans for Turin has been scarce over recent months. But the broadcaster has finally played its cards and revealed that Sam Ryder will represent the UK at Eurovision 2022 with his song “SPACE MAN”.
The reveal was made on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show, with Scott Mills joining Greg James.
Sam Ryder to sing “SPACE MAN” at Eurovision 2022 for the UK
After languishing at the bottom of the leaderboard for the past two contests, the UK are hoping to skyrocket to the top with the help of TikTok star Sam Ryder.
The singer from Essex will be singing “SPACE MAN” at Eurovision 2022 in Turin, Italy.
The song was originally released on 22 February and countless rumours have grown across the internet since then. But the BBC and partner TaP Music decided to leave it a couple of weeks before officially announcing Sam and “SPACE MAN” as the United Kingdom’s entry to the contest.
In that time, the song has already had some notable radio play. Scott Mills, the UK’s Eurovision semi-final commentator, selected “SPACE MAN” as his Tune Of The Week on BBC Radio 1.
At the moment, the full song is 3:40 minutes long, making it 40 seconds longer than the Eurovision limit. Therefore, Sam will be performing a shortened version for Eurovision that fits to the three-minute mark – this version is the one already being played on radio stations.
Sam Ryder – “SPACE MAN” (UK Eurovision 2022)
This year the BBC has partnered with TaP Music – the global music publishing and management company behind global stars like Lana Del Rey, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Ellie Goulding and until recently Dua Lipa.
Ben Mawson, TaP Music co-founder, said at the time of the partnership announcement: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with the BBC for this event and will use Eurovision to authentically reflect and celebrate the rich, diverse and world-class musical talent the UK is globally renowned for.”
Interestingly, Sam Ryder isn’t directly signed with TaP Music, so it seems the music moguls have cast their net wider than their own talent pool during the search for a UK Eurovision 2022 act.
Who is Sam Ryder?
Sam Ryder is an Essex-based singer. Despite being in the music industry since 2009, he was relatively unknown until 2020.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Sam went viral on TikTok with his covers of Adele, The Weeknd and more. He became the most popular UK artist on TikTok in 2020, earning big-name fans such as Alicia Keys and Justin Bieber. Sam has since amassed 12 million followers on the social media platform.
Following his viral success, Sam released the single “Whirlwind” in February 2021. Later in the year, he dropped the EP The Sun’s Gonna Rise.
@samhairwolfryder Recorded this live for the first time a few days after we wrote it 👩🚀🚀
♬ original sound – Sam Ryder
What do you make of “SPACE MAN”? How do you think Sam Ryder will do at Eurovision 2022 for the UK? Let us know in the comments below.
That was meant to be an emoji heart ! Saying “I love it “
I??It. You are the winner Sam regardless of the scoreboard . Believe??
This year my top 3: Estonia, UK, Poland. I am from Spain. I dont like Slomo but I think it is going to get a good result in May. I like Norway( funny) and Netherlands, Greece and Sweden are nor bad.?
OMG! His Holy Highness Freddie Mercury has been reincarnated into Sam Ryder’s vocal cords. Finally you got it right, UK. Let’s vote for this one, Europe!
If he can hit all those high notes live the song should reach the left hand of the scoreboard. It’s not going to win but it doesn’t need to. It just needs to not be an embarrassment at this point. I do have some concerns about how he will do live because the one live performance I saw did include autotune on it – though the not as much as the studio cut. He has two months to do whatever work is necessary (with a vocal coach perhaps) to ensure he can hit the notes though. He can’t afford to… Read more »
i disagree, this song is one of the contenders, Space man will be at least top 3.
People are so impressed that the UK sent a decent song that they’re saying it could win, lmao
Jesus, give people a break! They’re just enjoying the fact that a great song has been sent to the competition for once. And one that is quality and competitive. Stop mocking those who are trying to hold on to some sort of hope after suffering years of misery!
I think this is one of the UK’s best entries in a long time. Please stage it right.
I still get goosebumps hearing Space man. C’mon on Sam!! Epic, truly epic.
Drop an album. I want a physical copy so badly.
We are surely getting out of the bottom five with this. Think we will know if this is a serious contender after the first rehearsals, the potential is there.
I like this first time a grower. A John Lewis advert song with our Harry Styles/Ed Sheeran/Grennab/Lewis Capaldi etc you could imagine people looking up to space and Sam flying in a chair with his hair blowing around and he’s in a silver outfit! like glam rock scandi
I’ve heard so many times this year that the best songs weren’t written for Eurovision. This wasn’t either. It was written for radio and I love it. Can I say though, I can’t stand beards lol. Personal thing of course
yes it does and it’s a JL ad song
I am so happy with this beautiful song !! It ‘s great and I will vote for it !!! Good Luck UK !!
Finally a good entry from the UK! Last time they send something as good was with Jade.
Luci Jones was good.
One of the rarest moments at ESC – UK sends an excellent entry ! The last time was in 1997 and the second time in 1972.
This guy can perform live and he should let waving his hair !
Currently my second place behind France and together with the Netherlands.
Wow, someone else that has France first and the UK second! I haven’t come across anyone else yet except me (and now you!).
I do as well. Spain second UK third Italy 4th Ukraine Czech 5th Latvia 6tth Lithuania 7thEstonia 8th Norway 9th Belgium 10th Ireland 11th Netherlands 12th Croatia 13th Austria 14th Greece 15th Germany 16th Don’t like Australia’s at all don’t know much about the rest
Not surprising cos it won’t happen. UK has to come up with a masterpiece, even to get a few scraps.
Sorry, I didnt understand that?
I was referring to Mr X’s ranking for this year so far, not where I think the UK will end up.
I don’t think this entry is good enough to reach the top 20, but I agree with you about 1997 and 1972. The New Seekers would have won with a little bit of purposeful choreography.
it’s a shocker it’s different it should be higher than last year
I agree I like it with France, Spain,Latvia, Norway, Czech,Sentimental sounds French too
This is the first time in 20 years I think the UK might be in the battle for the win. The song is not fantastic,, But hejas something snd there are not that many good songs this year. Ukraine will struggle to participate. That is very sad but I think they will not make it. Italy is good- but do you really think they are going to win again?
I personally am not a fan of this song, But appreciate the quality and the voice, just hope the staging it good as a good song/voice crashes with bad staging… people need to understand subjective opinion and quality!
I have tried listening to this again and I am inclined to not want to listen again. It’s just not pleasant to hear. Novelty at first but now it just grates on me. Plenty more pleasant songs to hear multiple times.
I love this!!! All he needs to do is deliver vocally on the big night. Could even see it as a winner!! Finally,we’re having some great songs this year: Italy, Lithuania, Serbia, Poland, Netherlands,Belgium, France, UK, …love to see it!
How can this be so high in the betting odds ? Some people really like to waste their money or what ? I give Moldova even more chances to win.
Go back to bed Nicolas
Maybe, just maybe people
Like it??
I’m so obsessed with this song! UK have a chance this year if they don’t ruin the staging. Not trynna sound biased but if they do win, next year the contest could be literally held down the road from my house 😉
am I the only one who thinks that his voice is extremely annoying? :/ its not a bad song, with different singer it might be fine, but like this – I can’t stand it ///
No, you are not alone. i agree completely.
Meanwhile the UK entry is n1 on UK iTunes and just entered the UK Top 200 Apple Music chart.
it sounds really good like a Christmas John Lewis advert song. A Brit Award winner too sound
I can’t at some Karens in the comments section under the BBC Eurovision post saying they don’t like it, UK will come last and the drag queens from drag race were better…. how ridiculous you can get it…
P.S. That stereotype is really unfair on people actually named Karen.
That is so typical for some UK Eurovision fans.. Has to be camp, has to be a bop, has to be…. Annoys the crap outta me actually! This is a credible entry, don’t spread the self hate people..
I absolutely agree I changed my mind after hearing it on my headphones it’s so good it’s like a John Lewis song it’s the imagining it with space man and the throw back hair to Finland/Sweden and the driving music of the UK
Don’t get me started on those who STILL moan that the Frock Destroyers should represent the UK! That was how many years ago?! That ship has sailed. And a mediocre camp song sung by three average singers dressed in drag will never set the competition on fire! None of the Drag queens thus far (bar the incredible Conchita Wurst, and perhaps Verka Serduchka) have got anywhere. DQ from Denmark didnt make it. The three Drag Queens from Lithuania (or was it Latvia) didn’t get far. The Pink Pistols from Sweden didn’t get selected and Courtney Act was left in the… Read more »
I made a wee mistake….the three drag queens weren’t from Latvia or Lithuania…..it was Slovenia in 2002. ‘Setre’. I liked them too.
Let’s also not forget Kamil Show! She came second in Armenias selection process but ultimately left behind at the selection stage in 2018.
Honestly this is excellent! The song is catchy, the voice is phenomenal and the lyrics are so clever. Love this. Probably in my top 5 at the moment.
Let’s go UK!!
I agree I changed my mind. I realized it would make a great Joh Lewis advert song with him in a chair whilst children ask Santa got space man figures! Buzz Light-year Unfortunately America and Russia won the space race!
In the past 10 year the majority of winning songs have stood out because they where different. Whiles Sam’s song is one of best the UK has produced in years it still has no chance of winning as the production doesn’t stand out. Rake away Sam’s voice and the backing track could be from any song. To win Eurovision you have to stand out from the crowed. If on the night Sam does the acoustic version. Have him on stage with someone playing an upright piano. Ditch the highly produced backing track. He will stand out his fantastic voice will… Read more »
I’m just pleased that the uk has a credible song at long last that we can all get behind rather than cringing every year. And what an amazing voice he has. So pleased. We may not win but we can be proud again at long last!
Sorry, don’t like this one either, I was glad when it finished. A shrill vocal, and rather a tuneless song. Sorry again UK. To me the out and out winner is Ukraine, just the best original song.
I love the song and have it on repeat (along side Die Together) since it’s release. While not a winner, it is a top 10 potential if staging hits well (which seems to be the usual problem for the UK).
That being said, I do think this is the most decisive entry in Eurovision since Toy and I think it may actually have a shot at doing well this year.
it’s the best entry since You’re Not Alone and suits a John Lewis advert
very radio friendly which helps as you want a song that charts
Well, if UK win the ESC this time, I have a chance of watch the contest in locu next year.
Me too xxx
Jessie J she betta do!
she would LOVE to do it because she hasn’t had a hit since Bang Bang
OMG we have a decent Big 5 lineup!! the end must be near…
Not Germany.
Germany’s song is nice – not strong as their other BIG 5 but it’s a good song
Honestly, if the UK and Spain do not finish in the left side of the table this year, I think it is about time we reconsider our future participations…
I agree
My winner, amazing!
sam just preformed for the bbc, i’m not 100% sure it was live because it sounded sooo good but i’m pretty sure it was, if uk dosent come on the left hand side espically considering it’s not the strongest year, then europe just doesn’t like the uk
It wasnt live but it wasnt the studio version either. It was a pre-recorder ” live ” version. He pre-recorded it and they used it over the video, theres no way hes walking through the whole video and we dont hear microphonisms at all.
But still very nice, its still his vocals in the pre-recorded version.
this is greaaaaaaaaat!! the song is an anthem and sticks to your head. Sam is great singer and the team Dietmann (behind Cyprus, Spain and Bulgaria last year) is rumoured to be responsible for the staging which makes me think it will be very professional and awesome! I think UK will do great with juries, guess will do fine with televoting but it’s always unpredictable with public…. i thought UK 2017 will do well in televoting but it flopped hard so you never really know lol. In any case, I can see Scott Mills is fully supportive of the UK… Read more »
The most potential we’ve had since 2017. Get the staging and vocals right and the UK should end up on the left side of the scoreboard.
since the duo who did You’re Not Alone which I liked the Coldplay sound on it
Not what I was expecting but something quirky from UK. I like it. Should not come last.
now HERE we have something with potential. Might bring the UK back to the top 10.
3 of the songs we got today – UK, Greece and Belgium – are better than at least a dozen songs we got from national finals over the last month. This feels very refreshing!
My favorites so far (in no particular order): Italy, Spain, Ukraine, France, Belgium and UK. This is a strong year for the Big 5!
it isI like those too
This is now in my top 5!
It’s my number one
Now with just two entries to revealed I think Ukraine will win this . The public voting could push them into a win . I support Ukraine in their current situation but a win in Eurovision would be bad for the contest
At this moment nobody even knows if Ukraine will be participating come May. Will anybody? If Putin decides that he has had enough, he could do something so reckless that Nato are forced to retaliate.
If Vlad the Mad is pushed far enough, we might end up in a scenario where no one competes ever again.
Given the current situation, I suspect they’d nominate another country to host (probably too early to speculate who that would be).
that’s the prominent artist? a TikTok star? choices
Does it matter what he’s famous for? Listen to his VOICE…..he’s got a phenomenal vocal range and that’s all that matters. One could be a janitor and clean toilets for a living, but if he has an incredibly voice and is charming then why shouldn’t they be given a chance?
I agree and it needs to be a radio friendly song to get into the charts
He’s got a huge TikTok following and is definitely more established in that sense than Surie, Michael Rice or James Newman as a singer.
He’s better than all them. Bette even than the duo who did You’re Not Alone I forgot their names
Not a masterpiece or a winner alert but definitely the best act from the UK in a looong while. This is something that the British could enjoy if not related to Eurovision and, certainly, something to be proud of this time. The song itself it’s very Ed Sheeran feat Elton John with some Oasis vibes in the bridge, I believe. I’m saying it as a compliment, those are fairly good references. Sam looks like a capable performer and has an interesting look which, in the end, it also helps. I’m thinking of a very clever, colourful not-too-serious staging to make… Read more »
Yes that’s right and classic soft rock is popular on the radio in the UK
It was written by Sam and two writers who have collaborated on songs with Ed Sheeran!
I like this more and more with each new take! Bravo, UK! I really hope they score a good result. Sam is very likable! 🙂
Today we got three good new songs – UK, Greece, Belgium. A good ESC day! 🙂
I’ve been thinking about this all day – I really like the song and his voice is great – i’d bought the song before I’d heard the Eurovision rumours – but think I’ve seen so many disappointments over the last 20 years that I don’t want to get my hopes up. Personally I think it’s one of the best songs of the year, and it’s nice to see so many positive comments for it, but I still worry it will not resonate in May.
I’m enjoying it more now that I got used to space man falsetto part.
It’s very easy listening and got some nostalgic charm.
Sam seems very likeable as well.
It’s got a 70s Brtish rock sound, with E. John inspiration and just a hint of Bowie in the chorus. It’s a quality British entry: not a winner for sure, but it can appeal to viewers who are nostalgic of that sound (70s instead of the ubiquitous 80s sound).
Update: the chorus has a long-lasting effect (“I’m a spacemaaa-an)”, in spite of me, an hour after just one listen.
Yes, people are saying this is very current, and it is in a way, but I think more of UK music in the early 2000s, with even a touch of 60s, and, as you say, lots of 70s. Really very well done this year, Britain!
yes! and Ed Sheeran/Harry Styles etc too and a John Lewis advert style with the video
I don’t care if its current. I care if its good.
And it’s really good!
It reminds me of a John Lewis advert, which is a great thing!
I said the same! that’s what the UK is known for at Christmas!
If it comes last then there really is no point in UK contributing to Eurovision anymore!
Not related but I knew the announcement was today and I saw the James Newman article and thought “wtf not again” lol
Not the revenge of Embers lmao
He’s back with ‘Ashes’ lol
‘Out of the ashes, you and I are gonna get last place. You and I gonna get last place…’