British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has congratulated Ukraine on winning the 66th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. United Kingdom’s SamRyderMusic stood second in the contest.
PM Johnson also greet Ukraine on its Twitter post by noting “Congratulations to Ukraine for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. It is a clear reflection of not just your talent but of the unwavering support for your fight for freedom. Incredibly proud of SamRyderMusic and how he brilliantly represented the UK tonight.”
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra’s victory reflects a symbolic show of public support following the country’s invasion by Russia. They ended their performance in Turin with a plea: “Please help Ukraine, help Mariupol, help Azovstal right now.”
Sam Ryder came second for the UK with his soaring power ballad, Space Man, achieving the country’s best result since 1998. A former construction worker, he had been keenly favoured ahead of the competition with this song evoking the classic British pop of Queen and Elton John.
While Sam topped the jury vote, amassing 283 points, he was pipped at the post when public votes were added to the total. The UK came fifth with the public, with Ukraine receiving the most points.
However, the UK has not been in the top 10 since Jade Ewen came fifth in 2009, which reverses a long decline in the UK’s Eurovision outcomes. In both 2019 and 2021, the UK came last.
Others have said that this is proof that the UK is not a “hated nation”, which had become a scapegoat explanation for our lack of success in previous years, especially post-Brexit.
