Sam Ryder’s fine effort at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest was a welcome return to form for the United Kingdom at the annual cheese-fest.
Ryder finished second with Space Man, but would have won had the Ukrainian entry not been swept along on a tide of public sympathy.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the 32-year-old was gracious enough to acknowledge after the event that some things are more important than a singing contest.
Having restored some pride into the UK’s fortunes in the competition, does Ryder make it into our list of greatest Eurovision entries? Let’s take a look!
Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light – 1997
Katrina and the Waves made a name for themselves with Walking on Sunshine in the 1980s before gradually drifting out of the limelight.
They made a triumphant return at Eurovision 1997 in Dublin, storming to victory by a then record 70-point winning margin.
Love Shine a Light was the perfect vehicle for Katrina’s soaring vocals and was deservedly chosen as the winning song.
Unfortunately for the UK, the band’s success was the last time the country claimed victory at Eurovision.
Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses for Me – 1976
Recent research by Betway Online Casino highlighted that Save Your Kisses for Me is the biggest selling song from the Eurovision Song Contest ever in the UK.
Brotherhood of Man had already enjoyed success in Europe before Eurovision 1976, so their success was no real surprise to music fans.
The group finished racked up 164 points, a whopping 80.4% of the maximum they could achieve. France (147) was the only other country to get into triple figures.
Group member Nicky Stevens remains the only Welsh person ever to have won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up – 1981
With bands such as the Sex Pistols shaking up the music scene, pop music was in grave danger of being flushed down the drain in the early 1980s.
However, Bucks Fuzz proved that it still had a place by claiming victory in one of the most exciting competitions ever staged.
Despite some questionable vocals on the night, the group’s skirt-ripping dance routine proved to be the difference maker in the final vote.
Every other competing country gave points to the UK, something which many of the acts during the 21st century could only dream about.
The New Seekers – Beg, Steal or Borrow – 1972
The New Seekers were a cultural phenomenon during the early 1970s, with their success fuelled by a song made famous by a Coca-Cola advertisement.
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing was a global smash, but the group entered Eurovision with a different song – Beg, Steal or Borrow.
Despite wowing the audience in Edinburgh with their performance, The New Seekers had to settle for second place behind Luxembourg.
However, they went on to sell more than 35 million records worldwide, meaning the defeat did not have too much impact on their fortunes.
Sam Ryder – Space Man – 2022
The UK’s love affair with Eurovision has been sorely tested in recent years, with three top 10 finishes all the country had to show for itself in the past 24 years.
With five acts finishing in last position during that period, the UK could have been forgiven for thinking that it had done something to upset the rest of Europe.
Ryder ignored the negativity to claim second spot at Eurovision 2022 and can count himself unfortunate not to have won.
Ukraine rode a wave of public support to secure first place, but Ryder can be extremely proud of his efforts in Turin.