Sam Ryder sparks Eurovision confusion as fans mishear message 'about Russia'
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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.’
‘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.’
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‘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.’
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.
‘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.
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