Space Man

"Space Man" was released on 22 February 2022 onto all streaming platforms.{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |title=Sam Ryder Releases Brand New Single 'Space Man' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Sam-Ryder-Releases-Brand-New-Single-Space-Man-20220222 |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}} Ryder was announced as the UK's Eurovision entry on March 10, 2022, by Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1, with the song being previously featured on ‘Tune of the Week’.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=United Kingdom: Sam Ryder launches SPACE MAN for Eurovision 2022 🇬🇧 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/sam-ryder-launches-space-man |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en}} The music video premiered onto the Eurovision Song Contest's official YouTube channel on the same day and was filmed in Budapest, Hungary.{{Cite web |last=Debnath |first=Neela |date=2022-05-14 |title=UK Eurovision 2022 song: The meaning behind Sam Ryder's Space Man |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1607351/UK-Eurovision-2022-song-Sam-Ryder-Spaceman-meaning-lyrics |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}} It was included on the 2022 edition of Now That's What I Call Music!.{{Cite web |title=Here's the tracklist for NOW! 112 featuring Cat Burns, LF SYSTEM and Sam Ryder |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/now-thats-what-i-call-music-112-tracklisting-revealed-ed-sheeran-lady-gaga-lizzo-jack-harlow-and-more__36771/ |access-date=2022-07-05 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} It appears on Ryder's debut studio album There's Nothing but Space, Man!.

On 18 May, Ryder released a Eurovision guitar solo version after his performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.{{Citation |title=SPACE MAN by Sam Ryder |date=2022-02-22 |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/space-man/1608409326?i=1608409342 |language=en-GB |access-date=2022-05-18}} On 1 June, limited signed Platinum Jubilee editions were released on 7 June.{{Cite web |url=https://eurostore.warnermusic.com/uk/signed-space-man-platinum-jubilee-edition.html |title=SIGNED SPACE MAN CD (Platinum Jubilee Edition) |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=eurostore.warnermusic.com}} On 23 March 2023, Ryder's jumpsuit that he had worn at the Eurovision final was displayed in Liverpool, ahead of the city hosting the contest in May.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Sam Ryder's Eurovision jumpsuit goes on display |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-65036783 |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

"Space Man" was co-written and composed by Sam Ryder, Grammy nominated winning singer-songwriter Amy Wadge, and Max Wolfgang. It was recorded at Cube Recording Studios in Cornwall, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in London.{{Cite news |date=2022-05-13 |title=Eurovision 2022: Sam Ryder is 'ignoring the hype' as the UK's odds improve |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61378557 |access-date=2023-04-27}}{{Cite web |last=Trewhela |first=Lee |date=2022-05-28 |title=Cornish studio celebrates playing a part in Sam Ryder's No 1 single |url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/cornwall-studio-eurovision-runner-up-7136182 |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=CornwallLive |language=en}} It was also produced by Canadian record producer Koz. "Space Man" is a pop track, showing 70s pop influences like Elton John and Queen, and runs for a total of 3 minutes and 4 seconds.{{Cite web |last=Debnath |first=Neela |date=2022-05-14 |title=UK Eurovision 2022 song: The meaning behind Sam Ryder's Space Man |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1607351/UK-Eurovision-2022-song-Sam-Ryder-Spaceman-meaning-lyrics |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}}

"Space Man" was met with universal acclaim, and became a fan favourite to win the contest.{{Cite news |date=2022-05-13 |title=Eurovision 2022: Sam Ryder is 'ignoring the hype' as the UK's odds improve |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61378557 |access-date=2024-02-10 |language=en-GB}} The Evening Standard described the song as "a solidly written pop song; whether it'll win over our European cousins remains to be seen."{{Cite web |last=Embley |first=Jochan |date=2022-03-11 |title=TikTok's Sam Ryder to represent UK at Eurovision 2022 – will he win? |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/who-is-sam-ryder-tiktok-singer-eurovision-2022-uk-space-man-song-b987244.html |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=www.standard.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422111351/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/who-is-sam-ryder-tiktok-singer-eurovision-2022-uk-space-man-song-b987244.html |url-status=live }} James Hall in The Daily Telegraph stated "Ryder represents our greatest hope of rising from the Eurovision ashes for years. [...] Not only can he sing, but he can perform too thanks to his time on the metal circuit and in Nashville. He has charisma. [...] Picking him is a clever move."{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=James |date=2022-03-10 |title=Sam Ryder may finally provide Britain a winning shot at Eurovision |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/sam-ryder-eurovision-uk-entry/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=12 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312170825/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/sam-ryder-eurovision-uk-entry/ |url-status=live }} Simon Duke in the Chronicle Live stated "Following his first rehearsal in Turin, Italy, he has been declared as the UK's best Eurovision hope in years".{{Cite web |last=Duke |first=Simon |date=2022-05-06 |title=Sam Ryder is UK's best Eurovision hope in years as rehearsal wows |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/sam-ryder-uk-eurovision-rehearsals-23880846 |access-date=2022-05-06 |website=ChronicleLive |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506144507/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/sam-ryder-uk-eurovision-rehearsals-23880846 |url-status=live }} El Hunt for magazine Bustle described "Space Man" thus: "Covered with galactic sliding guitars and more than a hint of Elton John, the song imagines floating in space as a lonely, isolated astronaut with the longing to be grounded back down to earth again. And fair play, it's not too bad."{{Cite web |title=Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever Tour Will Have An Environmental Twist |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-uk-ireland-tour-tickets-climate-takeover-event-overheated-live |access-date=2022-05-07 |website=Bustle |date=4 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507210015/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-uk-ireland-tour-tickets-climate-takeover-event-overheated-live |url-status=live }} Caroline Frost in The Spectator said "Listen to this year's entry, and you will hear hints of Sir Elton's 'Rocket Man' and 'Tiny Dancer'. At last we’re taking it seriously, and we're channelling the best of British pop music, one of our greatest soft powers. But this year, for the first in decades, we can at least say we tried. And everyone loves a trier."{{Cite web |last=Frost |first=Caroline |title=At last, the UK has a decent Eurovision act {{!}} The Spectator |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/at-last-the-uk-has-a-decent-eurovision-act |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=www.spectator.co.uk |date=15 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509111312/https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/at-last-the-uk-has-a-decent-eurovision-act |url-status=live }}

George Griffiths from The Official Charts Company said "'Space Man' is one of the most exciting entries the UK has sent in recent memory. [...Ryder's] entry, is a scatter-shot pop banger, with an electrifying chorus that does seem at points like it's lifting up into the atmosphere. One thing is certain the UK are taking Eurovision seriously this year."{{Cite web |title=Sam Ryder is up in Space, Man: Our interview with the UK's Eurovision 2022 entry |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-ryder-eurovision-2022-interview-as-a-fan-its-sick-to-see-so-much-positivity-around-the-uk-entry-this-year__36282/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510114929/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-ryder-eurovision-2022-interview-as-a-fan-its-sick-to-see-so-much-positivity-around-the-uk-entry-this-year__36282/ |url-status=live }} Angelica Frey in The Guardian stated "'Space Man' has filching celestial vibes from Elton John’s 'Rocket Man', to the Beatles’ 'Across the Universe' and R.E.M.'s 'Man on the Moon'. His strident chorus notes really hit you between the eyes but 'Space Man' is our best entry for many years."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=Sexy vegetables, banana-eating wolves and Meghan Markle's hair: who to watch at Eurovision 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/10/sexy-vegetables-banana-eating-wolves-and-meghan-markles-hair-who-to-watch-at-eurovision-2022 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510121914/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/10/sexy-vegetables-banana-eating-wolves-and-meghan-markles-hair-who-to-watch-at-eurovision-2022 |url-status=live }} William Lee Adams from Vice and Wiwibloggs described his entry as a "emotive ballad with his voice gliding across varied terrain, from deep to gritty to a glorious falsetto. I still can’t help but root for Sam."{{Cite web |title=The UK Hasn't Won Eurovision in 25 Years. Could Things Change in 2022? |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/eurovision-2022-uk-entry-odds/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Vice.com |date=10 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510123316/https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3nag9/eurovision-2022-uk-entry-odds |url-status=live }} Nick Reilly for Rolling Stone UK stated: "Ryder is the UK’s brightest Eurovision hope we've had in years and is the strongest song that we have sent in a decade. A good song is nothing without a great singer, and Ryder’s impressive vocal range proves that he’s a huge talent in his own right. His entry allows those vocals to soar once more. Anchored by a soaring, stadium-sized chorus that is bound to grab the hearts of the continent."{{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Nick |date=2022-05-11 |title=Sam Ryder is the UK's brightest Eurovision hope in years |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/sam-ryder-space-man-uk-eurovision-2022-interview-16419/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511155142/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/sam-ryder-space-man-uk-eurovision-2022-interview-16419/ |url-status=live }} Rachel Aroesti for The Guardian stated: "the song is a rollicking power ballad about loneliness that recalls classic British pop such as Elton John’s 'Rocket Man', Bowie’s 'Starman', and Queen. Co-written with Ed Sheeran collaborator Amy Wadge, it is slick, dramatic and formidably catchy, and it’s not hard to see why Ryder is our best bet in ages."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-13 |title='We're in a negative thought pattern!' Can Sam Ryder bring Eurovision glory back to the UK? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/13/sam-ryder-interview-eurovision-song-contest-uk-glory |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513114607/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/may/13/sam-ryder-interview-eurovision-song-contest-uk-glory |url-status=live }}

Attitude ranked the song at number seven on their list of Best Eurovision UK entries of the 21st century. In 2023, "Space Man" was named as the UK's favourite Eurovision UK entry in a voting poll with BBC Radio 2.{{Cite web |title=BBC Radio 2's listeners crown Sam Ryder's Space Man their favourite ever Eurovision UK entry |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/radio-2-listeners-favourite-uk-eurovision-entry/ |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tabberer |first=Jamie |date=2023-03-22 |title=Every UK Eurovision entry song of the 21st century, ranked |url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/every-eurovision-uk-entry-song-ranked-428897/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Attitude |language=en-GB}} The Daily Telegraph included "Space Man" as number three on their 2023 list of worst to best UK Eurovision entries.{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Tristram Fane |date=13 May 2023 |title=UK's Eurovision history: Every UK entry ranked, from worst to best |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/05/13/best-eurovision-uk-entries-ranked-worst-all-time-list/ |access-date=1 August 2023}} In February 2024, I news, named it as the UK's best Eurovision entry.{{Cite web |last=Bootle |first=Emily |date=2024-02-09 |title=The UK's 10 best Eurovision entries, ranked |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/uk-best-eurovision-entries-2897768 |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}} In April 2025, it was voted as the "greatest Eurovision entry of the 21 century" by the BBC Radio 2 listeners.{{Cite web |last=Wratten |first=Marcus |date=2025-04-23 |title=Eurovision's greatest 21st century song named by fans – and it's not Loreen |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/23/eurovision-2025-greatest-21st-century-song-named/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=PinkNews {{!}} Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news {{!}} LGBTQ+ news |language=en-US}}

Ryder embarked on a European tour to promote his single. Following the announcement that he would be representing the UK at Eurovision, "Space Man" had its TV debut performance on BBC's The One Show, and he was interviewed on the same day.{{cite AV media |date=10 March 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx0vtlnSUtw |title=Sam Ryder performs SPACE MAN 👩🚀 Eurovision 2022 UK Entry 🇬🇧 The One Show - BBC |publisher=BBC |via=YouTube |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606191750/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx0vtlnSUtw |archive-date=6 June 2022 |url-status=live}} He travelled to Bulgaria to perform the song on The Nikolaos Tsitiridis Show and also recorded the UK 'live-on-tape' backup performance for Eurovision.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Up in space...and out in Bulgaria! Sam Ryder sings Eurovision 2022 song live on Nikolaos Tsitiridis Show |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/03/23/sam-ryder-eurovision-bulgarian-tv/271163/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=wiwibloggs |language=en-US |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324212920/https://wiwibloggs.com/2022/03/23/sam-ryder-eurovision-bulgarian-tv/271163/ |url-status=live }} He continued with his promotions in Netherlands, Serbia, and San Marino, and to other countries within Europe.{{Cite web |title=Eurovision UK entry is TikTok singer Sam Ryder, who will perform track Space Man |url=https://news.sky.com/story/eurovision-tiktok-singing-sensation-sam-ryder-will-perform-for-uk-with-track-space-man-12562140 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310105347/http://news.sky.com/story/eurovision-tiktok-singing-sensation-sam-ryder-will-perform-for-uk-with-track-space-man-12562140 |url-status=live }}

Besides televised performances he attended radio events and Eurovision pre parties throughout Europe. For his interviews on This Morning and Good Morning Britain, he was praised for his positive attitude to see change in how the British public and press views the Eurovision Song Contest. On 22 April 2022, the song was performed at the York Hall for Eurovision House Party.{{cite AV media |date=22 April 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97aaqe746GM |title=Sam Ryder - SPACE MAN (Live at York Hall) - United Kingdom 🇬🇧 - Eurovision House Party 2022 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |via=YouTube |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604060844/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97aaqe746GM |archive-date=4 June 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 7 May 2022, following his second rehearsal run in Turin, Italy, Ryder's live performance received positive reviews from critics and fans. It was confirmed that he had brought the biggest prop of the competition, a huge illuminated metallic structure. Following Ryder's rehearsal, he rose up in the betting odds and became one of the favourites to win the contest.{{Cite web |last=Duke |first=Simon |date=2022-05-07 |title=Sam Ryder gets crucial Eurovision boost as UK winning odds cut |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/sam-ryder-uk-eurovision-odds-23894324 |access-date=2022-05-07 |website=ChronicleLive |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507220746/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/sam-ryder-uk-eurovision-odds-23894324 |url-status=live }} On 12 May 2022, the BBC aired a documentary detailing Ryder's journey to Eurovision.{{cite AV media |date=12 May 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gn6Uq1tHaY |title=EXCLUSIVE BTS: @Sam Ryder's journey to Eurovision 2022 👨🚀 BBC |publisher=BBC |via=YouTube |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605205407/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gn6Uq1tHaY |archive-date=5 June 2022 |url-status=live}}

Ryder continued with promotional activities following the Eurovision final. He gave interviews across the UK on daytime and night time talk shows, including The One Show and Good Morning Britain. He continued his promotions on radio stations including BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, and Capital. He performed the single at the Platinum Party at the Palace, in which he received positive reviews.{{Cite web |last=Beale |first=Hollie |date=2022-06-04 |title='Bottle his positivity!' Sam Ryder leaves fans stunned at Platinum Jubilee concert |url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1620786/Sam-Ryder-Platinum-Jubilee-concert-Buckingham-Palace-social-media-reaction-latest |access-date=2022-06-04 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}} He later performed an orchestral version of the track at the 2022 Royal Variety Show.{{Cite web |title=Popular Colchester stars 'honoured' to open Royal Variety show viewed by millions |url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/23206501.royal-variety-show-british-army-band-colchester-sam-ryder/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Gazette |date=22 December 2022 |language=en}}

{{Main|United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022}}

On 21 October 2021, the day after the official list of participants in Eurovision 2022 was released, the BBC announced its plans for the British national selection, opting for an internal process no longer in collaboration with record label BMG, but with TaP Music instead. The management company's leading artists include Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding and Lana Del Rey. Kate Phillips (BBC commissioning editor) stated that the new collaboration "will enable the BBC to tap into some great music talent" and that the broadcaster has "big ambitions for the 2022 contest".{{cite web |date=2021-10-21 |title=Eurovision 2022 Plans Outlined for United Kingdom |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/27eb952f-ee7e-4c38-b297-597053dd7c76 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220151948/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/27eb952f-ee7e-4c38-b297-597053dd7c76 |archive-date=2021-12-20 |access-date=2021-10-21 |work=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC}} On 25 January 2022, TaP revealed that they had started shortlisting potential acts for the contest – with established, emerging and brand new artists having approached them for the Eurovision project – and that they had worked with BBC Radio 1 and Scott Mills in order to choose the British representative.{{cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=25 January 2022 |title=United Kingdom: Tap Music Shortlisting Artists For Eurovision 2022 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/01/25/united-kingdom-tap-music-shortlisting-artists-eurovision-2022/ |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201114908/https://eurovoix.com/2022/01/25/united-kingdom-tap-music-shortlisting-artists-eurovision-2022/ |url-status=live }}

Sam Ryder was announced as the chosen entrant with the song "Space Man" on 10 March 2022.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title=Sam Ryder set to represent UK at Eurovision 2022 with SPACE MAN |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/ec7889e0-1efc-431f-8d36-c566040b6da6 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=BBC Blogs |publisher=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310091828/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/ec7889e0-1efc-431f-8d36-c566040b6da6 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Luukela |first=Sami |date=2022-03-10 |title=Sam Ryder to represent United Kingdom at Eurovision 2022 with "Space Man" |url=https://escxtra.com/2022/03/10/sam-ryder-to-represent-united-kingdom-at-eurovision-2022-with-space-man/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=ESCXTRA.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310091836/https://escxtra.com/2022/03/10/sam-ryder-to-represent-united-kingdom-at-eurovision-2022-with-space-man/ |url-status=live }} The entry was revealed by Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1's breakfast show with Greg James, with "Space Man" having previously featured as 'Tune of the Week' on Mills' afternoon show on Radio 1.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2022 |title=United Kingdom: Sam Ryder launches SPACE MAN for Eurovision 2022 🇬🇧 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/sam-ryder-launches-space-man |access-date=10 March 2022 |website=Eurovision.tv |language=en-US |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310092011/https://eurovision.tv/story/sam-ryder-launches-space-man |url-status=live }} It was later announced that TaP Music would donate their consultancy fees to the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, to support those affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |title=Record of the Day - In tune. Informed. Indispensable |url=https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/news-press/tap-music-announce-singer-songwriter-sam-ryder-has-been-selected-to-represent-the-united-kingdom-at-the-66th-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.recordoftheday.com |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513231459/https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/news-press/tap-music-announce-singer-songwriter-sam-ryder-has-been-selected-to-represent-the-united-kingdom-at-the-66th-eurovision-song-contest |url-status=live }}

The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 was held at the PalaOlimpico in Turin, Italy. The two semi-finals were held on 10 and 12 May and the grand final on 14 May 2022. Since the United Kingdom is a member of the "Big Five", they qualified directly for the final.{{cite web |title=Rules - Eurovision Song Contest |date=12 January 2017 |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/rules |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408073043/https://eurovision.tv/about/rules |archive-date=2020-04-08 |access-date=2020-12-04 |publisher=EBU}} In addition to their participation in the final, the United Kingdom was also required to broadcast and vote in one of the two semi-finals. This was decided via a draw held during the semi-final allocation draw on 25 January 2022, when it was announced that the United Kingdom would be voting in the second semi-final.{{cite web |date=2022-01-25 |title=Eurovision 2022: Which Semi-Final is your country performing in? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2022-semi-finals |access-date=2022-01-25 |work=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU |archive-date=3 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203043125/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2022-semi-finals |url-status=live }}

Leading after the jury vote with 283 points, the United Kingdom would finish in second place behind Ukraine with 466 points overall after the televote—its best result at Eurovision since 1998, and its first top three finish since 2002.{{Cite news |last=Swain |first=Marianka |date=2022-05-14 |title=Eurovision 2022 results: Ukraine wins and the UK's Sam Ryder finishes second |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2022/05/14/eurovision-2022-final-live-results-winner-updates-turin/ |access-date=2022-05-15 |issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite news |date=2022-05-14 |title=Eurovision 2022: Ukraine wins, while the UK's Sam Ryder comes second |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61452678 |access-date=2022-05-15}}

The song has been covered by Dutch singer and YouTuber Davina Michelle,{{Cite web |title=Davina Michelle covert Space Man van Sam Ryder |url=https://songfestivalupdate.nl/artikel/69533/davina-michelle-covert-space-man-van-sam-ryder |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Songfestival Update |date=4 April 2022 |language=nl |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404171323/https://songfestivalupdate.nl/artikel/69533/davina-michelle-covert-space-man-van-sam-ryder |url-status=live }} Norwegian singer and violinist Alexander Rybak,{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=🇳🇴 Norway: Alexander Rybak Releases Violin Cover of Sam Ryder's "Space Man" |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/05/09/alexander-rybak-violin-space-man/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509204011/https://eurovoix.com/2022/05/09/alexander-rybak-violin-space-man/ |url-status=live }} and Swedish singer Måns Zelmerlöw.{{cite tweet |author=BBC Eurovision🇬🇧 |user=bbceurovision |number=1526644515355992064 |date=17 May 2022 |title=SPACE MÅNS and chill🥰 We're obsessed by this soulful cover of @SamRyderMusic by the #Eurovision 2015 winner🏆 Welcome to #teamSPACEMAN🧑🚀 @manszelmerlow https://t.co/eVPznXBKKX |language=en |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531134109/https://twitter.com/bbceurovision/status/1526644515355992064 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

Ryder himself performed a mashup of the song with elements of "I Wanna Be Your Slave" by Italian rock band Måneskin, during "Your Lyrics, Different Song" with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1. The song was performed by both Ryder and Swedish Eurovision entrant Cornelia Jakobs on the social media app TikTok.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ryder (@samhairwolfryder) Official TikTok {{!}} Watch Sam Ryder's Newest TikTok Videos |url=https://www.tiktok.com/@samhairwolfryder?lang=en |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=TikTok |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510122752/https://www.tiktok.com/@samhairwolfryder?lang=en |url-status=live }}

The song was covered by British young vocalist Yasmine Abou-Said in Windsor Castle starts at 11:40am on Saturday.

"Space Man" made its first appearance on the UK Singles Chart at number seventy-eight.{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} Following the Eurovision final, the OCC reported that at the midweek stage, it was a contender for the number one spot.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ryder's SPACE MAN smashes into midweek Top 5 following Eurovision - can he ascend further still? |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eurovision-sam-ryder-space-man-smashes-into-midweek-official-chart-top-5-can-it-ride-the-wave-all-the-way-to-number-1__36350/ |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} On 20 May, it reached a new peak of number two, becoming the highest-charting UK Eurovision entry since Gina G's "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" in 1996.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ryder's SPACE MAN becomes highest-charting UK Eurovision entry in 26 years after passionate campaign |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-ryder-s-space-man-becomes-highest-charting-uk-eurovision-entry-in-26-years-after-passionate-campaign-__36397/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} It marked 50 years since a UK runner up at Eurovision last had a number two single and fifty years since a UK runner up at Eurovision last had a top ten, five and three UK Single.{{cite tweet |author=TaP Music |user=tapmusic |number=1527755506407706624 |date=20 May 2022 |title=Incredible achievements by @SamRyderMusic x team TaP at this year's @Eurovision 🇬🇧🚀 Congratulations to all involved ♥️ https://t.co/oV1Mso0dPe |language=en |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521193253/https://twitter.com/tapmusic/status/1527755506407706624 |archive-date=21 May 2022 |url-status=live}} It topped the Official Singles Sales and Downloads Charts.{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-sales-chart/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} It was ranked as the third best-selling song of 2022 in the UK.{{Cite web |title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of 2022 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-songs-of-2022__38203/ |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}}

"Space Man" reached number one on The Official Big Top 40 charts,{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Hero Sam Ryder Claims UK Number One |url=https://www.bigtop40.com/news/eurovision-hero-sam-ryder-claims-uk-number-one/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=BigTop40 |language=en}} and achieved moderate success in other European countries.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-30 |title=The Eurovision Song Contest impacts the Official Charts |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-impacts-the-charts |access-date=2022-06-04 |website=Eurovision.tv |language=en-gb}} The song peaked at number five in Iceland and reached the top fifteen in Lithuania, Sweden, and the German Download Charts. It reached the top twenty in Belgium, the Australian Digital Tracks and also number twenty-two in Ireland, becoming the highest charting UK Eurovision entry on the Irish Singles Chart since 2014.{{Cite web |title=Harry Styles swoops into seventh week at Number 1 in Ireland |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/harry-styles-swoops-into-seventh-week-at-number-1-in-ireland-with-as-it-was-as-lizzo-edges-closer-to-the-top__36399/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} It also charted in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, Slovakia and on the Billboard Global 200.

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Space Man"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|title=Space Man|artist=Sam Ryder|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=January 12, 2022|id=18156-5995-1}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Sam Ryder}}

{{United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest 2022}}

Category:2020s ballads

Category:2022 songs

Category:2022 singles

Category:Eurovision songs of the United Kingdom

Category:Eurovision songs of 2022

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Category:Rock ballads

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Category:Songs written by Sam Ryder

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