Advertisement

AJ Odudu 'buzzing' after representing UK as Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson

AJ Odudu. (Photo: Instagram/@ajodudu)
AJ Odudu. (Photo: Instagram/@ajodudu)

EAST LANCASHIRE presenter, AJ Odudu, says her Eurovision appearance “still feels like a dream” after representing the UK in the jury vote.

AJ, from Blackburn, only appeared on Saturday night’s show for a minute but made an impression on millions of viewers.

She even made history on the show after presenting the UK’s points from Greater Manchester for the first time ever, appearing from Salford Quays, home of MediaCity.

Speaking on the show, AJ said: “Hello, this is Salford calling.

“I am AJ and I am delighted that for the first time ever we are coming to you live from Greater Manchester – get in!

“Thank you so much Turin for a fabulous show. All the performers were incredible tonight – but it is time for the scores.”

Lancashire Telegraph: AJ Odudu on the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. (Photo: BBC)
Lancashire Telegraph: AJ Odudu on the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. (Photo: BBC)

AJ Odudu on the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. (Photo: BBC)

She then awarded 12 points, from the United Kingdom's expert jury, to Sweden.

Speaking after her appearance on the show, AJ said Eurovision “still feels like a dream.”

She said: “Get in! Still buzzing that I got to proudly fly the UK flag as I announced our Eurovision points to [nearly] 200 million people, live from the Salford Riviera.

“Congratulations to Sam Ryder and all the Eurovision family. What an unforgettable night!”

As the show aired, many viewers took to Twitter to comment on the former St Bede’s High School pupil’s appearance on the show.

One person said: “When the UK ever gets to host Eurovision, can AJ Odudu please host?

"I really loved her energy in the 20 seconds we saw her yesterday.”

Another said: “AJ Odudu [is an] absolute Northern powerhouse.”

A third said: “I’m obsessed that millions of viewers around the world are currently being introduced to AJ Odudu.”

“AJ Odudu more than making up for the Amanda Holden shambles last year,” said another.

Sam Ryder sang for the United Kingdom in the annual song contest, and his song ‘Space Man’, impressed viewers and judges alike.

The British hopeful came second - behind bookies' favourites Ukraine - and delighted fans at home by topping the national jury vote with 283 points, beating favourites Spain and Sweden, in the country’s best result in 20 years.

AJ follows the likes of Amanda Holden, Rylan, Mel Giedroyc, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Richard Osman and Nigella Lawson in being the UK's spokesperson in the past 10 years.

You can watch the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC iPlayer.