Sam Ryder attends the Platinum Party At The Palace at Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2022
(Picture: Getty Images)Britain’s Eurovision darling Sam Ryder will be ticking a new experience off his bucket list next month: he’ll be singing the national anthem at the British Grand Prix.
It’s been a whirlwind trip for the singer. He started his career on TikTok, posting viral song covers on the app during the Covid-19 lockdowns which caught the attention of singers Alicia Keys, Elton John and Sia.
After taking part in lengthy auditions, he then went onto represent the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Content in Turin.
Ryder went on to dominate the competition before ultimately losing out on first place to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra in the public vote – though he did win the judge’s vote.
Since his return, Ryder has become something of a celebrity and has been invited to perform at several high-profile events.
“From Eurovision to being invited to play the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, the past few months have been a whirlwind and taught me that you can never dream too big!”, he said in a statement.
“Since I was a kid I’ve always been a huge fan of Formula 1, and to combine that with music and performing at such a legendary event on the British sporting calendar is an honour.”
The Grand Prix will take place at the Silverstone race track on July 3 and is one of the biggest dates in the F1 calendar.
First held in 1926, this year’s race will see defending champion Max Verstappen look to hold onto his title.
It will also be quite the musical event: Ryder will be performing at the post-race concert in the Formula 1 Fanzone alongside singers Mabel and Alfie Templeman.
It’s been a busy year for Ryder: last month, he also took to the stage for the Platinum Jubilee’s Party at the Palace to sing his Eurovision song Space Man in front of an audience that included Prince Charles and Prince William.
Speaking backstage at the event, Ryder told papers that the manner in which the Queen carried herself “reminds us that strength can be gentle”, before adding that it was “so selfless to give your entire life to that service”.
Following his Formula One appearance, he will also be heading out on his first-ever tour of the UK and Ireland at the start of 2023.
Starting on March 17 at Ulster Hall in Belfast, he’ll also be playing the Eventim Apollo in London on March 30.
