Eurovision’s Michael Rice speaks out after last place finish

The UK’s 2019 Eurovision entry Michael Rice has spoken out after last night’s competition.

The 64th Eurovision Song Contest saw 26 countries performing live in Tel Aviv for votes from both viewers and expert juries.

Michael Rice represented the UK with his song Bigger Than Us, written by Laurell Barker, Anna-Klara Folin, John Lundvik and Jonas Thander.

Unfortunately for poor Michael, he finished the contest last with a grand total of 16 points.

Michael had a total of 13 points from the juries of the 41 countries involved but just 3 points from viewers across Europe (and Australia), leaving him bottom of the leaderboard.

Despite the result, he took to Twitter today to tell his followers: “Just want to say thank you for all the messages of support! Me and my team have smashed this whole entire journey and I’m just so proud.”

Michael added: “I’m walking away with memories, friends, amazing fans and an experience of a lifetime! This is just the start. Thank you for believing in me.”

Providing commentary for the show on BBC One, Graham Norton sent his support when the result was announced.

He said: “I hope he’s not upset because he did all he could tonight, he really did. Our hearts go out to Michael and the whole team who worked so, so hard on the competition this year.

“You can’t fault his performance tonight and he absolutely did not deserve that result.

“It was really unfair, and I hope he’s OK… He’s got his mum and his Nan here, and we will all go and give him a hug later on.”

The winner of the competition was The Netherlands, who scored a total of 492 points from juries and viewers.

Giving the UK some hope for the future, they took the trophy home for the first time since 1975.

Over 7 million viewers watched the live telethon despite running until just after midnight.

The madness that is the Eurovision Song Contest will return next year.