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Ryder first gained traction within the social media platform TikTok during the 2020 lockdown, where the promising singer began to upload covers of popular songs onto the app. The singer’s page soon gained attention from famous artists who even posted reaction videos to his performances, Ryder now has over twelve million followers and is one of the most followed UK artists within the platform. The artist’s success within the app soon caught the attention of the industry and he was quickly signed to a major record label, in 2021 Ryder was added to Parlophone’s roster.

The Essex born artist hopes to score high with his track “Space Man”, co-written by Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Amy Wadge and Max Wolfgang. The track is a previous winner of Tune of the Week on the Scott Mills’ show, broadcasted via BBC Radio 1. Mills was also responsible for the announcement itself, the news of Ryder’s entry was revealed by the DJ on the Radio 1 Breakfast show with Greg James. On the show, Ryder stated, “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. 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.”

The singer also expressed his excitement within a statement given to Eurovision.tv, “Having been a fan of Eurovision since I was a kid l I am so honoured to have been presented with the opportunity to sing at an event alongside some of Europe’s most talented creatives, performers and songwriters. I hope to sing my head off in a way the United Kingdom can be proud of, and to showcase a song I wrote with my friends last summer makes the whole experience even more special. See you in Turin legends!”

This year marks the 66th Eurovision Song Contest and is set to be held on 14th May 2022 in Turin, Italy. In February, it was announced that fellow British artist Mika would co-host the semi-finals and Grand Final. The “Grace Kelly” singer will share the hosting responsibilities with Laura Pausini and Alessandro Catelan.

The event has a long history of successes and losses, last year the UK received zero points with “Embers” by entrant James Newman and in 2019 the country’s entry “Bigger Than Us” by representative Michael Rice also finished last. Despite the UK’s recent bad luck, UK music fans remain hopeful that Ryder will break the streak and bring home a win.

The video footage from the show’s telecast featured the Måneskin singer allegedly using drugs, the footage shows David leaning over the table with his head in a bowed position. Since the footage was released, various social media users have circulated rumours that the frontman was using cocaine. David has reputed these allegations, stating that he was picking up pieces of broken glass he found and not snorting cocaine, the frontman decided to end these rumours and speculation during the press conference after Måneskin’s victory. The band’s representatives have also announced that no illegal substances were present at the event.

The video has sparked controversy for the Italian performers as well as the Eurovision Song Contest itself with officials from the European Broadcasting Union, an organisation which provides an alliance of public service media operations, launching an investigation into the matter. The investigation also saw David himself volunteer to take a drugs test to proof his innocence.

The European Broadcasting Union have released a statement, confirming that the drug test in which David took was negative. “A drug test was also voluntarily undertaken earlier today by the lead singer of the band Måneskin which has returned a negative result seen by the EBU, No drug use took place in the green room and we consider the matter closed.“. They also added that the organisation was “alarmed that inaccurate speculation leading to fake news has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band”

The European Broadcasting Union have also backed up David’s statement that he was picking up broken glass, showed during the footage, The EBU have stated that evidence of broken glass was backstage at the event. “The band, their management, and head of delegation have informed us that no drugs were present in the green room, and explained that a glass was broken at their table and it was being cleared by the singer“

Måneskin beat out acts from all over Europe, this included UK’s entry and representative James Newman. Newman entered with famous competition with his song ‘Embers’, although the track was received with a somewhat positive attitude from the public, the song and performance earned the singer zero points, placing Newman in last place. The 35-year-old singer was set to represent the UK in the competition last year with the song, ‘My Last Breath’ but unfortunately the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far the UK has won five Eurovision Song Contests, the first win being in 1967 from Sandie Shaw with her song ‘Puppet on a String’. The next win was in 1969 with Lulu’s song ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang’, perhaps the most famous win came from Brotherhood of Man in 1976 with their celebrated song ‘Save Your Kisses For Me’. UK’s most recent triumph was in 1997 with the winning track ‘Love, Shine a Light’ performed by Katrina and the Waves.

Martin Österdahl, the Executive Supervisor of the ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ took to his personal Instagram page to share the news via a post.

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Martin Österdahl shared a statement on the show’s official website, expressing his excitement for the show to be shared with the US.

“For 65 years the Eurovision Song Contest has connected people far and wide. As owners of this hugely successful format, we have seen how it has found a place in millions of hearts across Europe and beyond. Now we are excited to have found the perfect partners to share this unique competition and its passionate celebration of music and original songs with the American people.”

The format in which made the competition so loved and famous will remain mainly the same as the original show, the US version will consist of live performances and will feature representatives from all 50 states, 5 US territories and the country’s capital city, Washington D.C. Much like the original European show, all will compete to win the ‘Best Original Song’, determined by a voting system. The show will not just count fan and viewer votes, but the show will also take into account the opinion of a jury full of music industry professionals.

The representative from each state or location, whether they be a solo artist, band, duo or DJ will perform and compete with their original song, the original song must embody and acknowledge different musical practices and genres in which make up America. All representatives will compete in the live musical tournaments, consisting of three rounds which make up the Qualifying Rounds, they will then compete in the Semi-Finals and finally the Ultimate Grand Final, the point in the competition in which the winner will be crowned.

The new version of the contest, entitled ‘The American Song Contest’, will be co-produced by Propagate and Universal Television Alternative Studio. Partnering up with the co-producers are four producers who have over 20 Eurovision Song Contests between them and who obtained the American format rights for the new American contest from the EBU. These producers are Anders Lehnoff, Peter Settman, Christer Björkman and Ola Melzig. Also working on the new show is American media conglomerate, NBC. The network is known for its varied list of shows including such series as ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise.

Jenny Groom, the Executive Vice President of Unscripted Content at NBC Universal Television and Streaming, also shared a statement of excitement and pride.

“American Song Contest combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your home team along with epic performances that will introduce viewers to the musical cultures that make up America. We are excited to showcase the universal power of music in a spectacular multi-week live musical event.”

No official airing date has been given as of yet, but applicants may be eligible to apply soon.

Newman was given a second chance when reselected to represent the UK later this year in Eurovision 2021 which is scheduled to take place 18-22 May in Rotterdam. Newman premiered ‘Embers’ with an official accompanying music video.

The track is a more upbeat dance song compared to last year’s entry, a ballad My Last Breath. The new song is more likeable and catchier than Newman’s previous entry, a more exciting and adventurous song than what the UK usually presents in the competition. The UK last found Eurovision success back in 1997 with the Katrina and the Waves song ‘Love, Shine a Light’.

Speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat, Newman explained “Embers is about those sparks that don’t die out. When we were writing this, it felt like I wanted to show everyone that we were coming back together.” He continued, “It’s about having that connection and something reigniting. It’s about us emerging from this rubbish time we’ve been having. It fits with the idea that Eurovision is coming back.”

Newman wanted to represent the UK with a song that was a little more positive post-pandemic stating: “Eurovision is a celebration of music and Embers fits in that vibe. Hopefully, people like it.”

Reception for the song has been positive, with many people taking to social media to show their support.

Loving #Embers easily one of our best Eurovision tracks of this century, but more importantly it actually sounds British and chart worthy. Hope to see this play listed across R1 and R2 and with any luck some commercial stations will pick it up if BMG know what they’re doing

— Simon (@backtothewater) March 11, 2021

im literally a sucker for uk pop/dance music and embers is giving me eeeeverything i wanted it to be, im so happy

— lena (@thatrhythmback) March 11, 2021

So I’ve listented to “Embers” by James Newman and this must be the most modern song the UK probably send this century. The track sounds very British, yet also fresh due to the trumpets, could be easily a number one hit and is a true bop, hopefully the best UK result since 2009

— Steffen || #Melfest (@steffenbrrng) March 11, 2021

Although there has long been a general consensus that the UK never do too well in the European singing competition, ‘Embers’ has given the nation high hopes that we could find success this year.

The countdown for one of the biggest and most excited musical events in Europe—Eurovision—has begun! Following the horrific incident of the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year, Eurovision fell into the same fate of cancellation as same as numerous gigs and tours around the globe.

But now, fans of this bizarre yet impressive music contest have finally prepared a proper return next year. Announced are the dates of the contest, which will traditionally expand for three days on the 18th, 20th, and 22nd of May at the same appointed venue of Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam.

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, issued a statement on Eurovision’s official site, expressing his pleasure to bring back this beloved show back for everyone. “It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year, and we’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in The Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world.”

Meanwhile, Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event said: “The music, the artists, the fans, the competition and the international character combined is what makes the Eurovision Song Contest so special. We now have a year to explore all scenarios in detail with the parties involved and to make the shows happen regardless of the circumstances, with adjustments if necessary. We still aim high!”

We’re excited to announce the dates for the #Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam

18 May – First Semi-Final
20 May – Second Semi-Final
22 May – Grand Final

https://t.co/CPdsi78mkx#ESC2021 | #OpenUp pic.twitter.com/1JUgsLKUAo

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) June 15, 2020

Regarding the contestants, Eurovision 2021 will see a completely new line-up of artists and songs. Some countries have already submitted their representatives for the competitions, but the UK has not appeared in the list of countries confirmed to participate.

This year, however, the UK sent James Newman, a London-based singer/songwriter. The entry was “My Last Breath“, a powerful ballad about persevering through all difficulties, the video of which features the appearance of Dutch cold water swimmer Wim Hof.

Elsewhere, Netflix will release a feature film/parody based on this European song competition entitled ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga‘. Awkwardly, the film is directed by American director David Dobkin (‘Wedding Crasher‘ and ‘Shanghai Knights‘) and starring Will Farrell and Rachel McAdams as an Icelandic musician couple aspiring to win Eurovision, alongside Dan Stevens, Pierce Brosnan, and Demi Lovato. It will be available exclusively on Netflix from June 26.