Eurovision 2022 final LATEST: Hero Sam Ryder praises ‘glorious’ Ukraine after securing UK’s best result in 20 years

Welcome back, Mika - you've been missed

Mika was one of the three Eurovision hosts on Saturday.

In the late noughties, Mika had some chart topping hits, including Grace Kelly and Love Today.

The Lebanese-British singer was awarded the for Best British Breakthrough Artist in 2008, and during the he reminded us why.

While we waited for the results to come in, Mika wowed and entertained with a medley of his biggest hits and his latest song, Yo-yo.

"Don't get too close to the table" - Maneskin

Saturday's show included the expected performance from last year's winner.

The was held in this year in the wake of Maneskin's 2021 win in .

Sadly, the band's win was dampened by accusations of drug-taking though they were later cleared and allowed to keep their Eurovision win.

When asked if they had any advice for this year's entries the lead singer, Damiano David, warned "don't get too close to the table."

Conchita - "his vocal is flying"

Sam Ryder soared to the top spot in this year's Eurovision.

Many of us watched the on Saturday wondering if we were imagining what was happening - Sam Ryder's performance was electric and he got the UK the most number of points we've received for over 25 years.

Conchita Wurst won the competition with a memorable performance in 2014.

The Austrian said to in the lead up to the competition: "I feel like the is really competing again.

"Sam Ryder's vocal is really flying - it's not fair to the other contestants."

Good morning! It's Ije Teunissen-Oligboh here, very excited to be bringing you the latest from Eurovision today.

Sam's performance 'was simply out of this world'

More than eight million people in the UK tuned in to watch Ryder's Eurovision triumph on Saturday.

The 32-year-old TikTok star won over the audience with his uplifting pop song Space Man, dazzling in a one-piece suit encrusted with beads and pearls.

In a statement, the BBC said: "Sam's performance was simply out of this world and we couldn't be prouder of him, achieving the best result in 20 years for the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest, including winning the jury vote.

"Kalush Orchestra's performance was incredible and generated a reaction both in the arena and around the globe like no other - we offer huge congratulations to Ukraine on their win."

Sam Ryder 'feeling fantastic' as he arrives home in UK

Sam Ryder said he felt "fantastic" and that he would have a family curry as soon as he arrived home as he touched down in the UK a day after coming second in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The British hopeful delighted fans at home by topping the national jury vote with 283 points, beating favourites Spain and Sweden, in the country's best result in 20 years.

Landing at London's Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening, the jubilant singer wore a pink Kalush Orchestra hat, celebrating the Ukrainian winners of this year's competition which was held in Turin, Italy.

Ryder, who was carrying a champagne-shaped balloon and a Union Jack flag, said he was feeling "fantastic" and added that he had an "incredible experience, such a rewarding experience".

Claiming he "didn't expect" a reception, he paused to take selfies and chat to fans who had waited for his arrival on a flight from Milan.

"It's just lovely to come home and feel that joy and love we've felt the whole time, though I am tired now - just want to focus on having a nice sleep tonight," he said.

Could the UK host Eurovision 2023?

For the first time in over 20 years, the UK came second in Eurovision losing out to winners Ukraine.

Sam Ryder broke a two-decade long losing streak, solidifying his place with Eurovision icons like Bucks Fizz and Sonia.

While Ukraine hopes to host, there is a possibility that the war with Russia will prevent this.

As a member of the big five and the runner up in the competition, it is possible that the UK will be called to host.

The UK has stepped up as a replacement host on four separate occasions.

Ukrainian entry Psiuk said: “Well, yes, it’s true that UK supports us a lot.

"The huge gratitude to the UK, of course, from all of the residents of this country to you.

“Lots of Ukrainians are expressing a very huge gratitude to your country as well.”

Spain has reportedly offered to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

While the Mayor of Stockholm is also reported to have offered to host the event on behalf of Ukraine.

In Eurovision's history, there have been several instances where a previous year’s winner didn't host the contest.

The last time this happened was in 1980 when the Netherlands stepped in after Israel declined to host for the second year in a row.

A decision will likely need to be made by the end of the year as to where Eurovision 2023 will be held, so the chosen city can begin planning.

Ukraine’s Zelenksyy says: ‘Our music conquers Europe’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked a hip-hop group from his country as they took home the Eurovision Song Contest title on Sunday.

“Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!” Zelensky wrote on Facebook.

Kalush Orchestra stormed ahead in the public vote, beating 24 other competitors.

Spain offers to host Eurovision in 2023 

Eurovision champs Ukraine could be hosted by Spain after the country's national broadcaster RTVE made an offer to accommodate their 2023 contest.

Last night saw the troubled country's act Kalush Orchestra score top points, scooping more than 400 votes from the public to add to the judges tally.

Bookmakers had tipped Ukraine, which is currently under invasion from Russia, to win from the outset.

After they were crowned victorious in the Eurovision 2022 final, the band's frontman, Oleh Psiuk, told the 7,500-strong audience: "I ask all of you, please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Avostal, right now,''

Many of them gave the band a standing ovation in front of a global television audience of millions.

Yet because of Ukraine's current political climate, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is believed to want to reclaim many territories lost at the fall of the Soviet Union, the country's position as host nation is surrounded by uncertainty.

Spain clocked up third place with contestant Chanel's track, SloMo, and website  reports that María Eizaguirre, a spokesperson for the Spanish public broadcaster, has given the contest the thumbs up.

It added: "RTVE is ready to support Ukraine in everything it needs to organise the contest."

Explained: How is the host of Eurovision chosen?

The country that wins the previous Eurovision Song Contest traditionally hosts the event the following year.

Turin played host this year after Italy’s Måneskin won in 2021 with “Zitti e buoni”.

But there are additional requirements when selecting the host city.

Executive supervisor of the song contest, Jon Ola Sand, said: “Choosing a host city is one of the most crucial decisions to take when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Everything has to be scrutinised, it is not only talking to the city once or twice, you need sit down and negotiate down to the finest detail.”

The venue should accommodate around 10,000 spectators and the city should be within easy reach of an international airport, with accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and fans.

Who will host Eurovision 2023 for Ukraine?

Kalush Orchestra overwhelming won the public support to be crowned Eurovision Song Contest winners 2022.

This means, per tradition Ukraine are in line to host Eurovision 2023.

Kalush Orchestra rapper Oleh Psiuk said ahead of the event: “Eurovision next year will be in the free home and reconstructed and rebuilt and happy Ukraine."

However, as Ukraine are currently at war this may not be possible.

If Ukraine is unable to host, another country, likely one of the “big five” Eurovision countries of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK, will host the event.

Psiuk said: “Well, yes, it’s true that UK supports us a lot.

"The huge gratitude to the UK, of course, from all of the residents of this country to you.

“Lots of Ukrainians are expressing a very huge gratitude to your country as well.”

Spain, one of the “big five,” has reportedly offered to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The Mayor of Stockholm is also reported to have offered to host the event on behalf of Ukraine.

'UK will support Ukraine in hosting next year's Eurovision'

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng spoke to Sky News' Sophy Ridge, and was asked about Ukraine's Eurovision win. 

Discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech about hosting next year's competition, Mr Kwarteng said he "looks forward to seeing it" held there. 

Asked if the UK would support Ukraine in putting the event on, he replied: "Absolutely... what we've done is really support Ukraine right through from the beginning of this crisis and we will continue to do so." 

However, he warned: "We will just have to see how the situation evolves."

Kalush Orchestra members

Ukraine's winning band is made up of six members, all of which are currently splitting their time between fighting in Kyiv and representing Ukraine in the contest.

The members all have their own individual talents, from rapping to dancing - they can do it all.

• Oleh Psiuk - Rapper
• Ihor Didenchuk - Multi-instrumentalist
• Vlad Kurochka - Dancer
• Vitalii Duzhyk - Sopilka player
• Tymofii Muzychuk - Singer
• Oleksandr Slobodianyk - Singer

Eurovision UK star's unlikely friendship with Hollywood megastar

EUROVISION star Sam Ryder has revealed his unlikely friendship with a Hollywood actress.

The singer opened up about how Jamie Lee Curtis became a "fan" of his music ahead of his appearance in the international contest.

Sam, 32, said he found it "surreal" that he had Hollywood stars as fans - including Freaky Friday Jamie Lee, 63.

The Eurovision star - who came SECOND in a competition this year - said that his pal Jamie had been "supportive since day one".

"Jamie has been so encouraging since day one, she is so lovely. She is an absolute legend," Sam told .

"I hope to meet her one day and talk about music. She loves music and she is such an interesting woman."

Read more here.

Explained: Who is Kalush Orchestra?

Kalush Orchestra was originally a rap and hip-hop group formed in 2019, under the name Kalush.

However, in 2021 they launched a parallel project, Kalush Orchestra, focusing on rap and traditional Ukrainian music.

The band is named after the Ukrainian city of Kalush and combines ethnic motifs with modern sounds, using different folk instruments.

They originally placed second in the national selection process, losing to Alina Pash - however, in February 2022 they were offered first prize after Pash was no longer able to take part in the contest.

Rylan Clark’s emotional reaction broadcast to 150m viewers

EUROVISION superfan Rylan Clark ended up being broadcast around the world last night - as he leapt out of his seat.

However, Graham Norton quickly pointed out he was in part of the arena he shouldn't have been allowed into.

The 33-year-old telly favourite was overcome with emotion after the UK narrowly missed out on its first victory in 25 years.

Rylan was seen on this feet after the Italian host spoke about the important of embracing peace.

He was seen applauding both the victorious Kalush Orchestra and the UK's act Sam Ryder, cheering and with both arms raised in the air.

BBC commentator Graham, 59, sounded surprised to see his co-star on the broadcast, which is aired to more than 150million viewers around the world.

He said: "Oh, there's Rylan. He's got in on the act. His accreditation shouldn't get him into the green room but he made it."

Ukrainian band win Eurovision song contest

Ukrainian band Kaulsh Orchestra won the Eurovision song contest for their song “Stefania” last night in a popular vote.

The band members, in their speech, urged millions of audience to help the country’s battle-hit regions.

“Help Azovstal, right now,? the band’s front man, Oleg Psiuk said as he implored people to free hundreds of Ukrainian fighters trapped in the the steel mill.

He also thanked the Ukrainian diaspora “and everyone around the world who voted for Ukraine. ... The victory is very important to Ukraine. Especially this year.”

Congratulating the band, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also said the country “we will do our best” to host next year’s contest in a battle-hit Mariupol.

“Ukrainian Mariupol,” he said, adding: “free, peaceful, rebuilt!”

“I am sure our victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is not far off,” Mr Zelensky said.

Recap: Who won Eurovision 2022?

UKRAINE have been crowned Eurovision Song Contest champions 2022 after receiving a huge amount of support from the European public.

The UK’s Sam Ryder topped the jury vote and led for most of the evening but Ukraine took the lead with a huge 431 points in the public vote.

Kalush Orchestra was the favourite to win after Vladimir Putin’s invasion – which prompted organisers to ban Russia and Belarus from competing.

The band received special permission to leave the country to represent Ukraine.

One of the original members stayed to fight against Russia and the others plan to return as soon as the contest is over.

Eurovision UK star’s unlikely friendship with Hollywood megastar

EUROVISION star Sam Ryder has revealed his unlikely friendship with a Hollywood actress.

The singer opened up about how Jamie Lee Curtis became a “fan” of his music ahead of his appearance in the international contest.

Sam, 32, said he found it “surreal” that he had Hollywood stars as fans – including Freaky Friday Jamie Lee, 63.

The Eurovision star – who came SECOND in a competition this year – said that his pal Jamie had been “supportive since day one”.

“Jamie has been so encouraging since day one, she is so lovely. She is an absolute legend,” Sam told .

“I hope to meet her one day and talk about music. She loves music and she is such an interesting woman.”

Read more here.

PM congratulates Ukraine and is ‘proud’ of Sam Ryder

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “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.”

Last years’s Eurovision champions joke about drug allegations

The lead singer of Maneskin advised Eurovision contestants “don’t get too close to the table”, referring to allegations that he was caught on camera taking drugs at the competition last year.

The Italian rock band had “strongly refuted the allegations of drug use” that emerged on social media after Damiano David appeared to bend over a table in the contest’s green room while on camera.

Following Maneskin’s win last year, David denied that he used drugs and said he bent over because another band member had broken a glass at their feet.

The European Broadcasting Union later confirmed the frontman had returned a negative result in a drugs test since the event.

During the Eurovision song contest final 2022, the reigning champions took to the stage to perform their new single Supermodel.

Following their powerful performance, a limping David was asked to give this year’s contestants advice, to which he quipped: “Two things. Have fun and don’t get close to the table guys.”

 Kalush Orchestra band mates have all been involved in the war

The band’s members are all based in different parts of the country and all have been involved in the war since the February 24 invasion.

Shortly after being crowned Eurovision 2022 winners, the band took to the stage and screamed "Glory to Ukraine" amid euphoric scenes.

Receiving the trophy, the band said: "Thank you for supporting Ukraine. This victory is for every Ukrainian. Slava Ukraini."

“Stefania” was written by Psiuk as a tribute to his mum, but since the outbreak of war it has become an anthem to his motherland.

The lyrics pledge: “I’ll always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed.”