Photo: EBU / Andres Putting

He was recently announced as a headline act for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, alongside music greats like Diana Ross, Adam Lambert and Queen. And now Sam Ryder has even more to celebrate, as his song “SPACE MAN” has hit #2 on the Official UK Singles Chart. 

Sam finished second this week to Harry Styles’ “As It Was”, which retains the top spot for the seventh straight week. It’s a huge achievement. “SPACE MAN” has become the highest-charting Uk Eurovision entry in 26 years after Sam rocketed up the scoreboard in Turin and led a passionate online campaign afterwards.

  
Sam Ryder’s “SPACE MAN” hits #2 on Official UK Singles Chart   

Here’s how the Official Charts Company described the battle for the top spot in a press release, sent out a few hours before the official reveal.

“After a nail-biting finish in what proved to be the most exciting chart battle of the year so far, Eurovision hero Sam Ryder is just pipped to UK Number 1 by Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’.”

“While Harry Styles made a strong start to the week, momentum following his Eurovision performance saw Essex singer Sam nudge ahead midweek, with Harry reclaiming the lead again at the final whistle.”  

“Just like at last weekend’s ceremony, he may not have clinched first place, but it’s safe to say Sam Ryder has captured the UK (and Europe’s) heart following his success at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. This week, SPACE MAN rockets up to Number 2 becoming the highest-charing UK Eurovision entry since Gina G’s chart-topping ‘Oooh Ahh…Just A Little Bit’ in 1996. Sam even outperforms previous Eurovision winners Katrina & The Waves whose 1997 winning hit Love Shine A Light peaked at Number 3.” 

“SPACE MAN claims the UK’s most-downloaded song of the week, landing Number 1 on the Official Download Chart.”

Speaking to the Official Charts Company, Sam said:

“We wanted to take on this negative Eurovision stigma in the UK – this habitual loop of cynicism and telling ourselves Europe doesn’t like the UK.” 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

“That was absolutely not the case, we don’t subscribe to that narrative whatsoever. The result gives strength to that idea. We’ve stripped away at the negativity and shone a bit of light in its place. Eurovision is my favourite thing in the world – I’m so stoked that I got to be a part of this story with my friends and my team.” 

Sam’s clearly touched to be up there with Harry Styles.

“I feel like what Harry stands for, as a fan of his and listening to his music, he stands for the same things that Eurovision celebrates; a freedom of expression, of inclusivity. A celebration of music, joy and togetherness”. 

Amy Wadge, co-writer of “SPACE MAN”, told Official Charts:  

“It feels like a bit of music history. To be part of something that’s culturally shifted the public’s view on Eurovision, is so lovely. We’ve ignored this amazing opportunity for artists and songwriters for too long.” 

Eurovision and BBC Radio 1’s Official Chart presenter Scott Mills, said:

“I’m so proud of Sam Ryder for securing the UK’s Official Number 2 spot with Space Man. It’s the UK’s first Eurovision chart contender from this millennium and Sam deserves it so much after his incredible performance in Turin. We at Radio 1 have got behind Sam like no other Eurovision entry and the support for him right from the start has been amazing!” 

Are you stoked for Sam? Do you see this as the first of many Top 10 singles for the Essex star? Let us know in the comments box below!

53 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
musica
musica
1 year ago

Great for Sam, great for the UK in Eurovision. Also, Spanish Eurofans are just insufferable. First they didn’t want Chanel, now she’s the best thing to ever happen to Eurovision and she should have won it all. Show some humility, her song wasn’t that special to begin with but she performed the hell out of it. You could sort of say the same for Sam Ryder, btw.

Ted
Ted
1 year ago

Ironically, the last eurovision song cd single I bought was Gina G, Ooh ahh just a little bit, until I was lucky enough to pre order Space man.
So pleased for Sam. Now bring on the album and a great career.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
1 year ago

Slomo hits #56, Hold me closer #59 and Stefania #34.

Helene
Helene
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonkonfui

In Sweden Hold me glider have bern number inte for weeks.

Muxu
1 year ago

Booooooring and he technically was not the runner up

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  Muxu

Yawn…..

You can’t change the results.

Boozyfloozy99
Boozyfloozy99
1 year ago
Reply to  Muxu

BORING moaning like a gammon! He was second deal with it and move on.

Dida
Dida
1 year ago

This was second in Eurovision thanks to EBU. Televoters and definitely juries ranked this much lower. The real runner-up was Spain, everyone knows it… Chanel was amazing and mesmerising, a true class act. UK’s song was boring as hell, nothing to remember in a few year, comparing to Spain…

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

Uk came second, Spain came third and Ukraine won. It’s time to move on now…

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

We Spanish fans had a really great position and better than that we were present during the voting and fighting for the higher positions and this is beyond our wildest dreams… It is more than 40 years that we dont see a voting where Spain is up there the whole time… Who cares about position? Ending 3rd is great.

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

Wow, some people just can’t accept the reality of what happened.

Spain performed incredibly and landed a really great position. Their highest in years, just like the UK. Instead of spending all your energy on being spiteful and bitter, try enjoying Spains success.

Boozyfloozy99
Boozyfloozy99
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

Aww another discussing toxic Spanish fan, get a life you sad gammon.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

The UK would have still reached the top 5, REGARDLESS!

Azan
Azan
1 year ago

So exciting!

Noah
Noah
1 year ago

UK the only beneficiary of the dark hand of EBU

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  Noah

The dark hand was played by the 6 countries who tried to bend the rules. Try focusing on the real issue at hand….

Lex
Lex
1 year ago

A talented and hard-working person, succeeding? The kind of news I like to see. He deserves it!

Gaga
Gaga
1 year ago

I’m chuffed to bits for Sam and the UK. Much love from Armenia.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

Sam Ryder is a Eurovision legend and wrote history in the UK. He’s busy and booked, he will sing for the Queen and has a EU tour this autumn + a summer full of UK festivals. His new album comes out in October so I hope it hits the top spot! Harry Styles team played dirty by shipping the CD singles of the song on Thursday and thus counting towards the singles chart (the singles were supposed to be shipped on the 20th) Sam was VERY close to the number one. SPACE MAN CD singles were sold out and were… Read more »

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

Thank you Sam, it was an unforgettable performance for the eternity ! Greetings from Germany

Denis
Denis
1 year ago

Destined to be runner up it seems:)
But honestlt, Sam is such a nice positive guy that you wish him all the best. Let us hope future UK entries get the same success..

Lorena
Lorena
1 year ago

He deserves all the best. I’m happy about him.

Lambert
Lambert
1 year ago

This seems to be the Sam fanpage. Don’t get the buzz around this artist and entry. Admittedly a strong voice, but the entry lacked originality and guts. Spaceman in a space suit lacked quality. Entries from Italy, Portugal and Ukraine were more daring and innovative.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

I mean, he would be a winner if it wasn’t for situation in Ukraine.

Teddie
Teddie
1 year ago
Reply to  Dawid

It’s true. Don’t know why you’re being downvoted.

Lambert
Lambert
1 year ago
Reply to  Teddie

No worries, we shouldn’t take it seriously. This page is full of admirers who have all kind of posters of Sam above their beds.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

There are Sam Ryder posters?

Lambert
Lambert
1 year ago
Reply to  Fatima

as if you wouldn’t know.

Teddie
Teddie
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

What I meant was true was what Dawid said about him winning in a year without the war. Can’t really say much about the quality — I mean, the guy can sing and his performance was definitely stellar. The song though is just ok, nothing to write home about.

Jonkonfui
Jonkonfui
1 year ago
Reply to  Dawid

I dont want to sound too patriotic but there were only 7 points difference with Spain so who knows what would have happened?

Jason
Jason
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

Pmsl yeah ok.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

One of the reasons for the buzz is that many Eurovision fans weren’t even born when the UK had such a good result. Out of the embers, he lit up the room.

Tjcat
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

In the end it’s all down to personal taste. Ok you didn’t like it that much, that’s ok. Personally I prefer a song that gives me a nostalgic feel rather than ones that are daring an innovative and don’t resonate with me. But that’s Eurovision, it would be very boring if every song fit just one persons view of being good

Lambert
Lambert
1 year ago
Reply to  Tjcat

Well said.

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  Lambert

What’s wrong with allowing people to enjoy what they enjoy? When did you become the Eurovision Police?

Just because you don’t get the buzz around Sam or his music doesn’t mean you have to put others down for doing so. Instead go big up your favourite ESC artist this year and give them some love instead of spreading negativity elsewhere.

Oh and if you didn’t notice, the story is about Sam and his success. Normal people are going to respond with happiness for him.

Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago

Congratulations Sam! You deserve all your success and I’m looking forward to your next song and album and seeing you in November 🙂 The LP is great and I’m happy people are discovering Tiny Riot, July, Whirlwind and More.

PURRRRRRR
PURRRRRRR
1 year ago

congrats to the UK. I’m already worried that Sam has sparked something and the UK will become unbeatable in the contest

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  PURRRRRRR

Worried? Really? I would rather be worried that his succes is a one time thing and UK soon returns to bottom barrel.
You better hope UK is here to slay in the future..

PURRRRRRR
PURRRRRRR
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

yes worried haalpp i hate the uk

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

Congratulations Sam Ryder and performing for the Queen? Life is definitely good.

I don’t envy the 2023 follow-up to try to match or even surpass this year’s second place position, but I hope this finally gives the jolt the United Kingdom needs for continued success.

Chronicbias
Chronicbias
1 year ago

S10 reached number 1 in the Dutch Top 40

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago

Well done Sam! Elsewhere on the UKs official music chart, the second highest ranking song from this years Eurovision contest was from Ukraines Kalush Orchestra with ‘Stefania’ landing at number 38. This is a huge deal and cements the fact that the non English eurovision song didn’t just win for political reasons, but the public actually liked it too. Enough to get it in to the UK top 40, which is no simple feat for a non English song! Congrats to Kalush. Also hitting the UK top 100 this week are: #43 – Maneskin ‘Supermodel’ #47 – Subwoolfer ‘Give That… Read more »

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  AMAAN STORM

Perhaps a little disappointing for Maneskin.

Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago
Reply to  Fatima

It depends when Supermodel was released it could be higher next week

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago

this is still great wow. apparently it was very tight but Harry styles shipped CD Singles this week and gained a lead against Sam whose CD singles was very limited (1k copies).

Lets support Sam’s album to be released in October and attend his shows (one of his 2 London shows are sold out)

tylos
tylos
1 year ago
Reply to  Pauly

I don’t understand why anyone buys CD singles… the stylus just goes straight to the centre and it makes an awful racket.

alx
alx
1 year ago
Reply to  tylos

Diehard fans do it to push sales and to help the artist chart better.

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  alx

Not always the case. Some people like the CD format because they grew up with it and want to keep a physical copy of the music as a piece of history.

Katie Mac
Katie Mac
1 year ago

Sam was first and foremost an artist he knew who he was as an artist, his music, style were all his own and not manufactured. It also helped that he was older as hes been grafting for a while and that experience served him well. He definitely has a career as long as he stays true to himself. Hes co writes his music so again its relatable. Lets hope the BBC continues with this model leading up to next year.

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago

OMG I’m so happy for Sam! The song’s great and he proved all haters wrong! 😀

Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago
Reply to  ete sech

Yes! Never a doubt in my mind 😉

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
1 year ago

I’m so happy for Sam. May his success continue. We need talented people like him in the charts. Also seems like he’s such a lovely guy.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

I have to eat my initial words of doubt about Sam. I never thought he would do so well, but I’m delighted to have been proved wrong. Having a sizeable hit now is perhaps more important the his second place, because it will prove that the contest doesn’t harm careers. I’m hoping that SPACE MAN may yet get to number one, perhaps boosted by his Jubilee performance in a few days. A tough act to follow for the UK in 2023.