Eurovision’s 2022 runner-up, Sam Ryder goes from joining UK chart royalty with his number 2 hit, ‘Space Man’, to now performing for the actual Queen outside Buckingham Palace for the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty’s 70 year reign.
Sam Ryder at Platinum Jubilee
After putting himself amongst United Kingdom Eurovsion royalty with second place for ‘Space Man’, Sam Ryder was invited by actual British royalty to perform for Queen Elizabeth II. Earlier this evening he took to the stage at Platinum Party at the Palace. An evening concert, part of the four day celebrations for the Queen’s 70th year on the throne. The BBC’s night of entertainment featured notable British and Commonwealth figures from the worlds of music, sport, fashion, film, arts and activism. Each element showcasing the global themes and changing world during the last 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
Everyone remembers the Union Flag dress made famous by Spice Girl Geri Horner. Not to be outdone, Sam Ryder paid tribute to the Royal Family with his own sparkling Union Flag suit! Ahead of performing for the Queen, Sam released a special ‘Platinum Jubilee Edition’ of ‘Space Man’. The version performed today. So after much speculation, we now know that the lyric, “I’m up in space, man!” became, “I’m up in space, ma’am!” As a subtle reference to Her Majesty in the final line, as well as featuring an extended guitar solo section.
Among the star studded setlist joining Sam on stage was music royalty such as, Queen, Adam Lambert, Diana Ross, Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, Elbow, Duran Duran, Jax Jones, Stefflon Don, Mabel, Craig David, George Ezra, Alicia Keys, Nile Rodgers, Mica Paris, Andrea Bocelli, Hans Zimmer & Celeste, Mimi Webb, Sigala and Ella Eyre. Overall 22,000 thousand guests attended the concert. The free tickets for the event were given to 22,000 ballot winners, with 5,000 of them allocated to key workers.
A Eurovision who’s who throughout the Platinum Jubilee
Besides Sam Ryder, other Eurovision names featured during the occasion. Back in 2009 Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber composed Jade Ewen’s fifth place entry, ‘It’s My Time’. Not content with composing, he also played the piano on stage with Jade during the Moscow contest. The musicals section of the evening’s showcase was curated by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has composed, directed and produced musicals for the West End and Broadway since 1965. Included was an appearance by the Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. As well as performances by the casts of, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Six, The Lion King and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Elsewhere tonight, operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli, who launched his career through the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994, paid tribute to the Queen. During the 1994 edition of Italy’s most famous festival, Bocelli broke the record for the highest score in the newcomers section with, ‘Il mare calmo della sera’.
Meanwhile British singer-songwriter Ella Eyre also performed, who topped the charts in 2013 on the Rudimental track, ‘Waiting All Night‘. She also co-wrote the German entry, ‘Black Smoke‘ by Ann-Sophie in 2015. Unfortunately the song placed 27th and last in the contest, getting the dreaded, ‘nul points’.
Sam Ryder at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022
Last October the BBC announced a new collaboration with TaP Music management to find an artist and song to represent the United Kingdom in Eurovision 2022. Following this the BBC confirmed Sam Ryder and his song, ‘Space Man’ for Turin. Over several months Sam Ryder deployed a heavy promotional campaign. This changed a narrative that set the path to Eurovision redemption.
Back in May, Sam Ryder achieved the UK’s best result in the contest since Imaani in 1998 with ‘Where Are You?‘. Rocketing to second place, behind the winner’s Ukraine, Sam scored a total of 486 points. Thus ‘Space Man’ earned the highest ever points total for the UK, as well as the highest ever jury and televote scores.
After the contest he continues to break records. Recently the Official Charts Company revealed his Eurovision song ‘Space Man‘ reached number 2 in the UK’s Top 40 chart. An important milestone, as is it is the highest charting Eurovision entry from the United Kingdom this century. Meanwhile his career continues to go from strength to strength. With sold out concerts across the UK and Europe, as well as news he will be launched in America!
Are you up in space, man for Sam Ryder and the Platinum Jubilee? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2023 Eurovision season!
