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!
Tomorrow the big final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Wiener Stadshalle in Vienna . 25 countries compete for the win. One of them is France , represented by Monroe. But who is she? Let’s give her a spotlight. Although she is only 17 years old, Monroe already boasts an impressive musical background. From singing in a small church choir to performing on the Eurovision stage, her journey reflects remarkable talent, dedication, and ambition.With her powerful lyrical voice and impressive stage presence, Monroe combines classical elegance with modern pop appeal.Although she is only 17 years old, Monroe already boasts an impressive musical background. From singing in a small church choir to performing on the Eurovision stage, her journey reflects remarkable talent, dedication, and ambition. Early Life and Musical Background Monroe was born in 2008 in Salt Lake City to a French mother and an American father. Raised in a bilingual household, she grew up speaking both French and English. Her mother strongly encouraged a “double culture” upbringing, allowing Monroe to embrace both sides of her heritage. Her musical journey began in a local church choir, where she first discovered her love for singing. Soon after, she developed a passion for classical music. Monroe learned to play the piano and received formal vocal training, helping her develop the remarkable voice she is known for today. Besides music lessons, Monroe also participated in musical theatre productions and a youth opera programme. These experiences strengthened her acting abilities and stage confidence from an early age. Among her biggest influences are renowned mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and global superstar Céline Dion. Their influence can clearly be heard in Monroe’s versatile musical style. Winning Prodiges Monroe’s breakthrough came in late 2024 when she auditioned for season 11 of Prodiges, France’s prestigious classical music competition for young talents. Encouraged by her aunt in France, Monroe decided to audition before exceeding the programme’s age limit. Throughout the competition, Monroe impressed both the jury and viewers with her vocal control, emotional delivery, and charisma. One of her standout moments was a stunning performance of Mozart’s famous “Queen of the Night” aria, which see also sang in a station. In January 2025, Monroe was crowned the winner of the season. The victory immediately turned her into one of France’s most promising young performers. Winning Prodiges also led to a recording contract with Warner Classics, marking the beginning of her professional recording career. Debut Album and Growing Success Following her success on Prodiges, Monroe began working on her debut album. In November 2025, she released her self-titled record, Monroe. The album highlights both her operatic strengths and her crossover appeal. Critics praised the release for its elegance and musical diversity. The tracklist combines famous classical pieces with beloved popular standards. Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” appears alongside Édith Piaf’s iconic “L’hymne à l’amour”, while “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz also features on the album. After the album release, Monroe embarked on a concert tour across France, performing in historic churches and cathedrals. One of the most notable scheduled performances was at the Vatican’s “Jubilee of the Poor” event in Rome, where Pope Francis was expected to attend. However, following her Eurovision selection, several concerts had to be postponed due to rehearsals and preparations for the contest. Eurovision Song Contest 2026 In March 2026, France Télévisions officially announced Monroe as the French representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Her Eurovision entry, Regarde!, combines opera, musical theatre, and contemporary pop influences. The song was written by Fred Savio, Fredie Marche, and the violin duo Violin Phonix. “Regarde!” delivers an emotional message about love as a universal language that can overcome differences and division. Thanks to Monroe’s strong vocal performance and theatrical interpretation, the song has already generated significant attention among Eurovision fans and music critics alike. France is automatically qualified for the Grand Final as one of the Big 4. Now all eyes are on this young star… could she be the one to bring victory home for France?
Tomorrow the big final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Wiener Stadshalle in Vienna . 25 countries compete for the win. One of them is France , represented by Monroe. But who is she? Let’s give her a spotlight. Although she is only 17 years old, Monroe already boasts an impressive musical background. From singing in a small church choir to performing on the Eurovision stage, her journey reflects remarkable talent, dedication, and ambition.With her powerful lyrical voice and impressive stage presence, Monroe combines classical elegance with modern pop appeal.Although she is only 17 years old, Monroe already boasts an impressive musical background. From singing in a small church choir to performing on the Eurovision stage, her journey reflects remarkable talent, dedication, and ambition. Early Life and Musical Background Monroe was born in 2008 in Salt Lake City to a French mother and an American father. Raised in a bilingual household, she grew up speaking both French and English. Her mother strongly encouraged a “double culture” upbringing, allowing Monroe to embrace both sides of her heritage. Her musical journey began in a local church choir, where she first discovered her love for singing. Soon after, she developed a passion for classical music. Monroe learned to play the piano and received formal vocal training, helping her develop the remarkable voice she is known for today. Besides music lessons, Monroe also participated in musical theatre productions and a youth opera programme. These experiences strengthened her acting abilities and stage confidence from an early age. Among her biggest influences are renowned mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and global superstar Céline Dion. Their influence can clearly be heard in Monroe’s versatile musical style. Winning Prodiges Monroe’s breakthrough came in late 2024 when she auditioned for season 11 of Prodiges, France’s prestigious classical music competition for young talents. Encouraged by her aunt in France, Monroe decided to audition before exceeding the programme’s age limit. Throughout the competition, Monroe impressed both the jury and viewers with her vocal control, emotional delivery, and charisma. One of her standout moments was a stunning performance of Mozart’s famous “Queen of the Night” aria, which see also sang in a station. In January 2025, Monroe was crowned the winner of the season. The victory immediately turned her into one of France’s most promising young performers. Winning Prodiges also led to a recording contract with Warner Classics, marking the beginning of her professional recording career. Debut Album and Growing Success Following her success on Prodiges, Monroe began working on her debut album. In November 2025, she released her self-titled record, Monroe. The album highlights both her operatic strengths and her crossover appeal. Critics praised the release for its elegance and musical diversity. The tracklist combines famous classical pieces with beloved popular standards. Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” appears alongside Édith Piaf’s iconic “L’hymne à l’amour”, while “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz also features on the album. After the album release, Monroe embarked on a concert tour across France, performing in historic churches and cathedrals. One of the most notable scheduled performances was at the Vatican’s “Jubilee of the Poor” event in Rome, where Pope Francis was expected to attend. However, following her Eurovision selection, several concerts had to be postponed due to rehearsals and preparations for the contest. Eurovision Song Contest 2026 In March 2026, France Télévisions officially announced Monroe as the French representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Her Eurovision entry, Regarde!, combines opera, musical theatre, and contemporary pop influences. The song was written by Fred Savio, Fredie Marche, and the violin duo Violin Phonix. “Regarde!” delivers an emotional message about love as a universal language that can overcome differences and division. Thanks to Monroe’s strong vocal performance and theatrical interpretation, the song has already generated significant attention among Eurovision fans and music critics alike. France is automatically qualified for the Grand Final as one of the Big 4. Now all eyes are on this young star… could she be the one to bring victory home for France?
