Austria's JJ Triumphs at Eurovision 2025 with 'Wasted Love'

In a dazzling finale held in Basel, Switzerland, Austrian artist JJ captured the top prize at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest on May 17, 2025, with his captivating track 'Wasted Love.' This innovative piece blends operatic vocals with a modern techno beat, showcasing JJ's diverse musical talents.

JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, made history as Austria's third Eurovision champion, following the iconic victory of Conchita Wurst in 2014. At just 24 years old, JJ, a trained countertenor performing at the Vienna State Opera, expressed his astonishment at winning, revealing that it was a moment beyond his wildest dreams.

The competition featured a thrilling atmosphere, heightened by a strong public vote for the Israeli entry by Yuval Raphael, who finished in second place with her song 'New Day Will Rise.' Despite the celebratory ambiance, the event was not without controversy, as protests erupted against Israel's participation amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict.

At a press conference following his victory, JJ conveyed a powerful message through his song, emphasizing that love is the most potent force on Earth and should prevail in challenging times. He also highlighted his pride in being a diverse winner, representing both his Filipino heritage and the LGBTQ+ community.

Austrian political leaders, including Chancellor Christian Stocker, extended their congratulations to JJ, celebrating this historic win for Austrian music. The contest itself has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956, now embracing a broader spectrum of musical styles and cultural expressions.

This year's event showcased performances from 26 countries, drawing an audience of approximately 160 million viewers. The acts ranged from Estonia's comedic entry 'Espresso Macchiato' to Sweden's spirited song 'Bara Bada Bastu,' which also received considerable attention. Notably, several highly anticipated artists, including France's Louane and the Netherlands' Claude, did not fare as well as expected.

The Eurovision Song Contest remains a celebration of diversity, with a lineup that included grunge, pop, and even country-infused performances. The eclectic nature of the show was evident, with acts from Lithuania, Ukraine, and Italy contributing to an engaging and vibrant spectacle.

However, the event was marred by protests concerning Israel's participation. Raphael, a survivor of the October 2023 Hamas attack, faced mixed reactions during her performance, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of her country's involvement in the contest. Despite this, supporters gathered to show solidarity and promote messages of coexistence.

The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the contest, reiterated its commitment to values of inclusivity and respect, striving to maintain a politically neutral platform. As the show concluded, it was evident that Eurovision continues to be a significant cultural event, reflecting both the joys and challenges of contemporary Europe.