Eurovision 2022 results as Ukraine wins and UK narrowly miss out in historic results

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The UK has narrowly lost out in the Eurovision song contest this evening. Sam Ryder took to the stage with an upbeat performance of his uplifting pop song Space Man.

The 32-year-old Tik Tok star was one of 25 acts vying for the top prize during the climax of the week-long contest in Turin, Italy. And after the jury results, his act was leading the way with 283 points, 25 ahead of nearest rivals Sweden and grabbing a host of 12 points from across Europe. But Ukraine won a massive 439 points in the public vote and 631 points overall to claim the title.

The UK came second with 466 points, with Spain finishing on 459 and Sweden on 438.

READ MORE: Eurovision 2022 results in full

The Ukrainian act was the favourite to win, having been frontrunners since Russia’s invasion – which prompted organisers to ban the country. The group was dressed in elaborate outfits, including long multi-coloured fringed ensembles, a pink bucket hat and others in traditional patterns.

Their performance, which combined rap and Ukrainian folklore, went down well with the audience who cheered the group on with many waving Ukrainian flags.

Commentator Graham Norton said: “We weren’t sure they were going to make it but they have made it. Their commentator did not make it, he is commentating from a bomb shelter.”

Ryder was the 22nd act to perform, playing a guitar mid-show in front of a crowd of 7,000 fans at the Pala Olympica arena who sang along. He took to the stage in a dazzling one piece encrusted with planets, moons and stars made of beads and pearls.

Concluding his set, the singer said: “Shine brightly my friends. Thank you all.”

Graham Norton, who once again anchored the contest on BBC One, said: “What a powerhouse performance. You can’t ask for