Sam Ryder sparks Eurovision confusion as fans thought they heard Space Man singer deliver a message to Russia

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Sam Ryder has left Eurovision fans pretty divided, with some thinking they must have misheard him.

The Space Man singer returned to the Song Contest Grand Final after coming in second place last year, when Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra took the win.

During his performance he shouted out three words which have left some viewers beyond baffled.

The musician introduced his special guest, Roger Taylor, Queen’s drummer.

But instead of hearing ‘Come on Roger,’ some fans thought Sam was taking a moment to make a political message about the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

The Eurovision Song Contest is being held in the UK instead of the winning act’s nation as Ukraine battles the Russian invasion.

And during Sam’s performance, while Russia isn’t even taking part, some fans thought they heard: ‘Come on Russia.’

Sam left fans stunned! (Picture: PA) Others clarified what Sam was really saying (Picture: PA)

‘Very funny that if you don’t necessarily know who Roger Taylor is, it did just sound like Sam Ryder shouted ‘come on Russia’,’ one wrote.

Another penned: ‘Could’ve sworn Sam Ryder said ‘Come on Russia!’ Just then. Turns out it was ‘Come on Roger!’.

‘I thought he’d taken his loss to Ukraine last year really badly.’

‘Sorry did Sam Ryder just shout ‘come on Russia’ on eurovision???????? chaos,’ someone else wrote.

Plenty of others confirmed what really happened though, with one clarifying: ‘Glad I’m not the only one who thought Sam Ryder shouted, “Come on Russia”…. when it was actually “Come on Roger”. That was quite the mishear.’

Sam had been performing his new song Mountain, which he’d previously spoken about on The One Show, discussing , the journey he’s been on for it to come to fruition.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

‘The last time I was speaking to you I said how much Eurovision meant to me and to so many other,’ Sam said.

‘It is about that togetherness and inclusivity and to have the opportunity to come back and to sing on that stage once again…I respect it and I want to make sure I use that opportunity to really show people that.’

He added it was ‘so special to me’ before starting to tear up.

He continued: ‘It is about the trauma we all carry but don’t let define us. It is about seeing those problems but not seeing those obstacles as mountains.’

Sam’s performance had a touching message (Picture: PA) Queen’s Roger Taylor made a special appearance on the drums: PA)

The performance, which featured dancers with prosthetic limbs, was accompanied by Queen musician Roger, who also appeared to play the drums with one hand.

This comes after the European Broadcasting Union’s decision  to block Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky from speaking at the final.

‘The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation,’ their statement begins.

More: Trending

‘As part of these, one of the cornerstones of the contest is the non-political nature of the event.

‘This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the contest.’

Metro.co.uk has approached Sam’s reps for comment.

The Eurovision Song Contest is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Mae Muller gets fans up on their feet during heart-pumping Eurovision Grand Final performance

MORE : Mel Giedroyc absolutely steals Eurovison 2023 final after seductively churning butter: ‘Highlight of the show’