Sam Ryder launches ‘real application for number one’ with Eurovision single.
Sam Ryder’s Eurovision single Space Man could top the charts by the end of the week following its success at the Turin contest.
The singer and TikTok star, 32, finished second behind Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra on Saturday night, giving Britain its best result in more than 20 years and ending a dismal two-year zero-points run.
A special update released by the Official Charts Company on Monday showed that Space Man currently sits at number three behind Cat Burns and last week’s chart-topping champion Harry Styles.
Only 340 chart sales separate Ryder and singer Burns.
Space Man would be the first Eurovision single to reach number one in the UK since 1996’s Gina G’s Ooh Ahh (Just A Little Bit).
Martin Talbot, Managing Director of the Official Charts Company, said: “The UK has gone Eurovision-crazy this year so it’s fantastic to see Sam Ryder’s Space Man making a real bid for number one on the Official Charts this week.
“And just as the nation cheered him on last Saturday, they will no doubt be cheering him on for the rest of this week.
“Let’s hope he can take his second place finish in Torino and top the field on the UK Official Singles Chart.”
Bookmaker Coral said his odds of Ryder finishing number one have continued to rise and stand at 1/2.
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Sam Ryder arrives at Wogan House for a live interview on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show (Ian West/PA)
Ryder landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday wearing a pink Kalush Orchestra hat, a celebratory nod to this year’s winners.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Ryder, who appeared 22nd out of the 25 finalists on Saturday night, said: “I don’t know, I just felt so much, just encouragement and support and love from home. And not just at home but in the Eurovision community in general because there is so much love, sitting in this arena is like being in a church, it’s just amazing.
“I can’t explain it, and I can’t even begin to do it justice, the feeling you get when you’re there. But when I walked onto that stage, it felt like just trusting anything.
“Trust the years of singing and enjoying singing and music, and record it all.”
When asked if Ukraine ranks first, he added: “They had to win that. You would always win this.
“It’s so important that we use the Eurovision platform to celebrate solidarity and bring light into the darkness.”
Essex’s Ryder has been uploading cover songs to TikTok during lockdown, drawing the attention of global stars like Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys.
He signed to the Parlophone record label, part of Warner Music Group, and released his debut EP The Sun’s Gonna Rise in 2021.
After his country’s victory, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Facebook post: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!” and also promised that Ukraine would host the singing competition next year.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement after the final: “We congratulate Ukraine and Kalush Orchestra on their victory and excellent performance. Now we begin planning for 2023 with winning channel UA:PBC.
“Of course, hosting the competition next year brings with it unique challenges.
“However, like every other year, we look forward to discussing all the requirements and responsibilities associated with hosting the competition with UA:PBC and all other stakeholders to ensure we have the most appropriate setup for the 67th edition .have Eurovision Song Contest.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sam-ryder-launches-genuine-bid-for-number-one-with-eurovision-single-41654812.html Sam Ryder launches ‘real application for number one’ with Eurovision single.
