The Good Eurovision Loser

13 November 2025, The Tablet

His “Space Man” was the real winner in 2022, though the inevitable nod went to Ukraine – and he likened the experience to being in church.

Ryder had a bumpy ride to stardom, with bouts as a labourer (on the new Wembley Stadium) and a wedding singer, and he only began to break through as a cover artist on TikTok, the eternal departure lounge of the hopeful. Heartland reflects a different kind of resilience, with the now obligatorily “searing” analysis of past struggles and promises to self to stay strong.

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