UK entry Michael Rice has spoken out after coming last in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Michael, 21, nabbed just 16 points between the public vote and international jury vote on a night when The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence won the crown with his song Arcade, which scored a huge 492 points.
Despite the disappointing result, the singer has remained positive and said he’s “just so proud” of what he’s achieved.
Read more: UK entry Michael Rice finishes last at the Eurovision Song Contest
Writing on social media, he told 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.”
He continued: “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.”
His post sparked a flood of praise from his new fans, with many saying his performance was better than superstar Madonna’s.
— Michael Rice (@MichaelRiceOff) May 19, 2019
Read more: Madonna’s Eurovision performance divides viewers
“You did the UK proud – always a tough gig to represent us, sorry! You were way better than Madonna too,” one commented.
A second praised: “What a lovely message. You have been a fantastic ambassador! Worked so hard. We are so proud of you. Was a brilliant performance. You sang your heart out.”
The Hartlepool native sang Bigger Than Us at the Expo Tel Aviv venue in Israel against a backdrop of a starry night sky and racing comets.
But his performance failed to soar and did not connect with the international crowd.
🇬🇧 It’s bigger than you and me – outstanding vocals from the UK’s Michael Rice!@BBC @BBCEurovision @MichaelRiceOff#DareToDream #Eurovision #GBR pic.twitter.com/qsRkBPAoPw
— Eurovision (@Eurovision) May 18, 2019
The public votes made up 50% of the total vote, with the other half determined by the professional jury in each participating country.
Rice, who rose to fame after winning the singing show All Together Now last year, said previously that he hoped to improve the UK’s reputation at the contest.
The UK has not won Eurovision in 22 years or finished in the top 10 in the past decade.
Prospects of a British victory were bleak – both Coral and Ladbrokes gave Rice a 150/1 chance of taking the title.
He performed 26th, after Norway and before Iceland – whose techno-punk outfit Hatari were a favourite to win.
Meanwhile, Madonna’s performance also failed to impress and stunned viewers flocked to social media to criticise the Borderline star’s vocals.
Dad: “this is the worst Eurovision performance I’ve ever seen.”
Mum: “that’s Madonna…”
Dad: “which country is she from?”
Mum: ” The US…”
Dad: “the US don’t do Eurovision” 🙄 #eurovision— George Lawley (@GeorgeLawley) May 18, 2019
The pop icon began her set with a paired down performance of her classic hit, Like a Prayer, before moving into her new song, Future, performed with rapper Quavo.
But the singer appeared to struggle from the start, with viewers complaining about pitch issues and a lacklustre performance.
Do you think we were robbed? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.