Sam Ryder feeling ‘amazing’ as he arrives in the UK after Eurovision triumph

When asked what the first thing he would do when he got home, Ryder laughed and replied, “Have a curry with my family.”

More than eight million people in Britain tuned in on Saturday to see Ryder’s Eurovision triumph.

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The 32-year-old TikTok star wowed audiences with his uplifting pop song Space Man, dazzling in a pearl and beaded one-piece suit.

In a statement, the BBC said: “Sam’s performance was just out of this world and we couldn’t be prouder of him as he achieved the UK’s best result in 20 years at the Eurovision Song Contest, including winning the jury vote .

“The performance of the Kalush Orchestra was incredible and evoked an unparalleled reaction both in the arena and around the world – we congratulate Ukraine on their victory.”

An average of 8.9 million people tuned in to watch the competition on BBC One, with a peak viewership of 10.6 million, the company said.

Last year, 7.4 million people watched as British hopeful James Newman scored zero and finished bottom of the rankings.

This year’s competition was won by the Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra with their song Stefania.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Facebook post: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!”

“Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision!

“For the third time in its history. And I think – not for the last time.”

Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Osterdahl said in a statement that the organization’s attention was focused on next year’s competition and its “unique challenges”.

Ryder rose to fame by covering songs on TikTok during lockdown, amassing 12 million followers and attracting the attention of global stars like Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys.

He was chosen in a new collaboration between the BBC and global music management company TaP Music, which also overhauled the advertising campaign.

The new strategy included ensuring Ryder’s single “Space Man” was played on BBC Radio 1 rather than Radio 2 and targeted smaller countries such as San Marino, Serbia, Croatia and Malta, which have the same voting rights as larger countries such as Germany.

In his first series of posts on Twitter since the competition, Ryder said: “Still up in space, man! Thank you all for being filled with love, positivity and kindness during this wild and euphoric experience.

“We felt your support fully and we really appreciated it.

“Huge love to the Kalush Orchestra for bringing it home to glorious Ukraine!!!

“Couldn’t be happier right now and can’t wait to hug my grandpa!”