Sam Ryder emerged at the Eurovision Song Contest as a familiar face on social media, boasting a massive following and a high engagement rate. With more than 12 million followers and over 100 million likes on TikTok, he stands as the UK’s most-followed music artist on the platform today.
The rise began in the early days of the pandemic. At the start of 2020, Ryder started sharing cover videos that quickly drew attention from a global audience. Among the viewers were several renowned artists who reacted to his songs, including Justin Bieber, SIA, and Alicia Keys, adding credibility and visibility to his growing profile.
Ryder’s path to stardom didn’t hinge solely on TikTok virality. Before the platform’s surge, the artist was part of three bands and pursued a traditional music career. He signed with Parlophone and released his first single, The Sun’s Will Rise, in 2021. His official entry into the music scene traces back to 2009, when he began as a guitarist and vocalist, laying the groundwork for Morning After, a project with multiple recording releases.
In 2012, he led a heavyweight group named Blessed by a Broken Heart, which released a project titled Feel the Power after a brief delay. Ryder’s tenure with various ensembles continued, including a stint with Close Your Eyes, before leaving the group in 2014. These experiences helped shape his versatile musical voice and stage presence.
Long before the pandemic period, Ryder explored a broader musical journey, even relocating to Nashville, United States, to work on an album with Canadian producer Bryan Wilson. Despite the project not securing a deal with a record company, the move demonstrated his willingness to chase visions across borders.
During a transitional phase, Ryder briefly opened a vegan cafe in Hawaii. He later stepped away from that venture to refocus on music, performing at weddings, clubs, and other intimate venues as he rebuilt momentum and tested new directions in his artistry.
BORN THE SAME DAY AS GEORGE MICHAEL
There is a notable connection between Sam Ryder and late 20th-century pop icon George Michael. Ryder was born on June 25, 1989, sharing his birthday with the legendary artist known for hits like Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
For his Eurovision 2022 appearance, Ryder chose Shepherd’s Pie as a favorite dish—a comforting UK staple made with lamb, mashed potatoes, and cheese baked to perfection. The dish also carries memories of family gatherings and shared festival nights, reinforcing the sense of community that accompanies the Eurovision experience.
In conversations with media outlets such as Euromovidas, Ryder recalled family traditions that turned Eurovision nights into communal celebrations. He described how parents and neighbors would gather, enjoy Shepherd’s Pie, and soak in the performances together, turning a competition into a neighborhood ritual.
Another fond memory from Eurovision history that Ryder referenced was the 2006 triumph of Lordi with Hard Rock Hallelujah, a moment he described as unforgettable during interviews with YOTELE. These reminiscences underscore his long-standing love for the competition and its diverse moments of spectacle.
Beyond music, Ryder has expressed curiosity about space and extraterrestrial life. In a British interview with Daily Star, he shared a childlike imagination about what life on other planets might be like, admitting that the kid in him enjoys pondering cosmic possibilities. He even hinted at a UFO sighting in Hawaii, describing a moment when a mysterious moving object in the sky sparked wonder and amplified the sense that there could be many intriguing phenomena beyond Earth.
Physically active and adventurous, Sam Ryder is known for his surfing and snowboarding hobbies. These sports frequently appear on his social channels, offering fans a glimpse of his life beyond the studio and stage, and illustrating a balanced, energetic lifestyle that resonates with audiences around the world.
As his career continues to ascend, Ryder is noted for maintaining a close relationship with Lois Gaskin-Barker, his partner of more than a decade. The couple has supported each other through personal adventures and creative projects, including the development of Lois’ jewelry line, Lone Wolves Creative, which features seashell-inspired pieces that echo their shared love of the sea and outdoor life.