A revelation: Ryder delivers a career-defining performance as Jesus - Johan Persson With his angelic voice and Jesus-like looks, Sam Ryder proved the UK’s miracle worker at Eurovision in 2022, finishing as runner-up. But although he’s an uncanny physical fit for the Son of God, it is still a leap of faith to cast the 37-year-old singer-songwriter as the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar, back in the West End after 30 years. It’s one thing to hold a tune, quite another to carry a show.