The UK is back! Sam Ryder is the favorite of many people. Although he started as a session musician in 2009, his real breakthrough came thanks to Corona: during the first lockdown he started posting songs on TikTok. He quickly became the most watched singer on the platform.
Our reporter Kal Engels talks to him about his childhood, about the song (I wrote it in about ten minutes) and about his and others’ expectations for the UK. So watch!
Road to Vienna: Latvia As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Rad to Vienna: Latvia Atvara: a rising Latvian singer-songwriter Atvara, born Liene Stūrmane, is a rising Latvian singer-songwriter from Liepāja. With a background in jazz and pop vocals, she developed her talent through music schools and early TV appearances, including shows like X Faktors. From Songwriter to Breakthrough Artist Before launching her solo career, Atvara wrote songs for other artists, including entries for Latvia’s Supernova. Her big breakthrough came in 2024 with “Pie manis tveries,” a heartfelt ballad that went viral on TikTok and reached #2 on Spotify’s Viral 50 in Latvia. Rising Success & Debut Album Following her breakout hit, Atvara released several emotional pop tracks and collaborated with artists like Intars Busulis. In 2025, she dropped her debut album Vol. 1: Vai dzirdi, kā brūces dzīst, solidifying her place in Latvia’s music scene. With her emotional songwriting and growing popularity, Atvara is quickly becoming one of Latvia’s most promising new artists, ready to make an impact on the Eurovision stage. Ēnā: A Haunting Pop Track About Emotional Burnout Ēnā explores the quiet weight of emotional exhaustion and isolation. It tells the story of someone who gives endlessly to others, yet feels empty and disconnected in their most important relationships. Themes of Isolation & Inner Conflict Beneath a polished exterior, the song reveals deep vulnerability. It captures the tension between outward composure and inner fragility, যেখানে silence, withdrawal, and avoidance slowly take over. The narrator fades into the background, reflecting a loss of voice, confidence, and presence. Emotional Depth & Relatable Storytelling Family dynamics and unspoken expectations add emotional layers to the narrative. Feelings of absence, disappointment, and suppressed emotions highlight how personal struggles often remain hidden. The song resonates with listeners who have ever felt overlooked despite giving their all. With its moody atmosphere and honest storytelling, this track offers a powerful reflection on self-neglect, emotional burnout, and the universal struggle to balance caring for others while staying connected to oneself. Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest Latvia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 24 times since its debut in 2000. Immediately, the country was succesful, with a 3rd place for Brainstorm‘s “My Star”. The country achieved its best result in 2002 when Marie N won the contest with “I Wanna.” After several years of not qualifying for the final, Latvia returned to the Grand Final in 2024 with Dons‘ “Hollow,” which placed 16th. The Bookmakers Latvia is currently 21st with the bookmakers and 11th in Semi-Final 2 — making their path to the final anything but guaranteed.
Road to Vienna: Latvia As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Rad to Vienna: Latvia Atvara: a rising Latvian singer-songwriter Atvara, born Liene Stūrmane, is a rising Latvian singer-songwriter from Liepāja. With a background in jazz and pop vocals, she developed her talent through music schools and early TV appearances, including shows like X Faktors. From Songwriter to Breakthrough Artist Before launching her solo career, Atvara wrote songs for other artists, including entries for Latvia’s Supernova. Her big breakthrough came in 2024 with “Pie manis tveries,” a heartfelt ballad that went viral on TikTok and reached #2 on Spotify’s Viral 50 in Latvia. Rising Success & Debut Album Following her breakout hit, Atvara released several emotional pop tracks and collaborated with artists like Intars Busulis. In 2025, she dropped her debut album Vol. 1: Vai dzirdi, kā brūces dzīst, solidifying her place in Latvia’s music scene. With her emotional songwriting and growing popularity, Atvara is quickly becoming one of Latvia’s most promising new artists, ready to make an impact on the Eurovision stage. Ēnā: A Haunting Pop Track About Emotional Burnout Ēnā explores the quiet weight of emotional exhaustion and isolation. It tells the story of someone who gives endlessly to others, yet feels empty and disconnected in their most important relationships. Themes of Isolation & Inner Conflict Beneath a polished exterior, the song reveals deep vulnerability. It captures the tension between outward composure and inner fragility, যেখানে silence, withdrawal, and avoidance slowly take over. The narrator fades into the background, reflecting a loss of voice, confidence, and presence. Emotional Depth & Relatable Storytelling Family dynamics and unspoken expectations add emotional layers to the narrative. Feelings of absence, disappointment, and suppressed emotions highlight how personal struggles often remain hidden. The song resonates with listeners who have ever felt overlooked despite giving their all. With its moody atmosphere and honest storytelling, this track offers a powerful reflection on self-neglect, emotional burnout, and the universal struggle to balance caring for others while staying connected to oneself. Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest Latvia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 24 times since its debut in 2000. Immediately, the country was succesful, with a 3rd place for Brainstorm‘s “My Star”. The country achieved its best result in 2002 when Marie N won the contest with “I Wanna.” After several years of not qualifying for the final, Latvia returned to the Grand Final in 2024 with Dons‘ “Hollow,” which placed 16th. The Bookmakers Latvia is currently 21st with the bookmakers and 11th in Semi-Final 2 — making their path to the final anything but guaranteed.
