Eurovision fans are seriously divided on what the running order for Saturday's final means for UK entry Sam Ryder, with some claiming it's boosted his chances even further, while others have been left concerned.
There was great news for Space Man singer and TikTok sensation Sam when, after being an automatic qualifier as one of 'the big five,' at the end of last weekend he was drawn in the second half of this year's Eurovision final. There is plenty of evidence to prove that a place in the second part of the show gives you a stronger shot at victory, so UK fans were delighted the Sam was given a helping hand.
The draw, plus Sam's epic performances in rehearsals led to him climbing as high a second in the Eurovision odds and then Sam's Eurovision hopes were then given further boost after a video of his performance in Wednesday's jury semi final was widely shared on social media. Eurovision semi final 2 took place on Thursday night and in the aftermath of that, the qualifiers found out what half of the finale they'd be performing in, before the Eurovision final running order was revealed.
READ MORE: Eurovision final running order as 'dark horse' emerges for win
The Eurovision running order has Sam in 22nd place out of 25 and, while pleased to see him near the end of Saturday's long show, it's the fact he's sandwiched between Australia and Poland, two other male solo ballads, that has caused some concern for some fans, particularly given that Polish act Ochman is a great vocalist and rather high up in the odds. Reacting to the draw, one fan took to Facebook to post: "Not really a great draw, three males all with strong voices & songs in a row, Australia, UK & Poland, hopefully Sam will stand out with a very strong stage presence, the cage should be a great statement. Go Sam blow their minds you can do it, you've been a great ambassador for the UK."
Also slightly worried about Sam being so close to Australia and Poland, a second wrote: "feel like Sam probably won't seem quite as remarkable a vocalist between Australia and Poland.," but others have no such concerns, even with Sam coming before Poland, with a much more optimistic fan tweeting: "How are people complaining about Sam being between Australia and Poland?? This is a *gift*. Sam will stand out MASSIVELY compared to 2 very good, but very slow and morbid songs. Sam’s energy will shine through. I’m not worried at all."
Equally positive about the running order, another commented: "Poland's staging is a mess and won't effect Sam in any way coming after him, Australia vocally might be close but that song goes nowhere and isn't as strong as Space Man at all."
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