EUROVISION legend Sam Ryder broke the UK’s dismal results with his song Space Man, and in 2023, he threw his hat in the ring for Christmas Number One.
But who is Sam Ryder? Here’s all we know about the pop star, and his music success so far.
Who is Sam Ryder?
SamRyder is a singer from Maldon, Essex, born on 25 June 1989.
The star started his career in the music industry in 2009 as a singer and guitarist.
He worked as a session guitar player for bands like The Morning After, Blessed By A Broken Heart and Close Your Eyes.
He’s also worked as a builder and ran a juice bar.
Sam found fame on TikTok and has, ever since, enjoyed an incredible career in music.
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Sam’s solo career was launched when he signed with record label Parlophone in 2021.
Fans can find him on Instagram under the username @samhairwolfryder and on TikTok as @samhairwolfryder.
What is Sam Ryder famous for?
Sam smashed the UK’s losing streak and skyrocketed up the Eurovision leaderboard in the 2022 competition.
He finished second in the song contest, behind Ukraine – the highest placing in this millennium.
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At Christmas 2023, Sam was in the running for a Christmas number one with his song You’re Christmas to Me.
Ultimately, Wham!’s Last Christmas took the top spot, beating Sam, and the Pogues’ Fairytale of New York, which many expected to win, considering the death of frontman Shane MacGowan.
A few years earlier, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Sam gained huge social media support after uploading cover songs on TikTok.
Sam is one of the UK’s most followed singers on TikTok, with over 12 million fans on the app.
The affable Sam picked up some high-profile fans such as Hollywood legend Jamie Lee Curtis, 63, of whom he spoke warmly.
Sam told The Daily Star: “Jamie has been so encouraging since day one, she is so lovely. She is an absolute legend.
“I hope to meet her one day and talk about music. She loves music and she is such an interesting woman.”
Sam’s covers were also noticed by the likes of Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys, and Elton John.
What did Sam Ryder sing at Eurovision?
Sam’s Eurovision choice was his hit song Space Man at the final which took place on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Turin, Italy.
He impressed judges and audiences across Europe, which secured him second place in the competition.
Sam’s success was the UK’s best result in Eurovision for over 20 years, losing out the top spot to winners Ukraine.
The last time we reached second place was with to Imaani’s Where Are You in 1998.
Sam’s performance earned the Judge’s votes top spot and then slipped into second place when the public overwhelmingly showed support for Ukraine.
Halfway through the voting process, a humble Sam said: “Shout out to mum, dad and grandad. This is amazing, it’s wicked.
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“We enjoy music and I know that every other single artist involved absolutely smashed it, they were credit to themselves and to Eurovision and what it’s all about – unity, peace, love, togetherness.
“Thank you for having us, I appreciate it.”
He spoke to Radio 1 Newsbeat before the final: “I love Eurovision. I think it’s such a privilege to be able to do it.
“I don’t want to let the stigma or fear of coming at a certain place in a table stop me from doing something and being a part of something that I enjoy so much.
In 2021, James Newman’s entry Embers received the dreaded “nil points” and Michael Rice came bottom in 2019 with his ballad Bigger Than Us.
Sam wasn’t unfazed, though, and said: “As long as I can go to Eurovision and know in my heart of hearts I’m going to do the best job I can then everything else is out of my control.”
He proved that his positive outlook on Eurovision, great vocals, and a great tune could win over fans and end the unlucky streak.
Is Sam Ryder married and does he have children?
Sam is in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend Lois Gaskin-Barber.
Before finding fame, Sam ran a juice bar in Essex with Lois.
The couple have bee described by friends as a “pair of hippies”.
Sam doesn’t have any children.
