Austria’s JJ Wins Eurovision 2025 with Emotional Ballad
Vienna’s Rising Star Claims Victory
On May 18, 2025, Austria’s Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, with his powerful song “Wasted Love.”
The 24-year-old singer immensed audiences with his unique countertenor voice, scoring 436 points in a dramatic finale. JJ’s win marked Austria’s third Eurovision victory, following Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014.
His emotional performance, blending operatic vocals with techno beats, outshone strong competition, particularly Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who finished second with 357 points. The victory sparked celebrations across Austria, with fans praising JJ’s raw talent and heartfelt message.
JJ, a classically trained singer, emerged as a favorite before the contest. His odds of winning were 3/1, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes, reflecting strong public and jury support. The grand final, watched by over 160 million viewers worldwide, was a tense showdown.
Israel led after the public vote, but JJ’s high jury scores secured his win.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger congratulated JJ on X, saying, “You have moved Europe with your voice and sung Austria into the spotlight.” His win means Austria will host Eurovision in 2026, likely in Vienna, which has hosted twice before.
Who Is JJ?
Born in Vienna in 2001, JJ grew up in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. He studies classical music at the Music and Art Private University of Vienna, honing his distinctive soprano-range voice. Fluent in English, German, and Tagalog, JJ’s Filipino heritage adds to his unique identity.
He proudly became the first Eurovision winner with Filipino ancestry, emphasizing equality and acceptance in his victory speech. “Let’s spread love,” he told the crowd, tearfully thanking his family, team, and fans.
JJ’s music journey includes a stint on The Voice UK in 2020, where he competed under his real name and was mentored by will.i.am. Though eliminated in the knockout rounds, the experience shaped his stage presence. Inspired by Conchita Wurst’s 2014 Eurovision win, JJ was coached by her for this year’s contest.
His song “Wasted Love” reflects personal pain, exploring unrequited love with lyrics that resonate widely. The track’s shift from a haunting ballad to a club anthem showcased his vocal range and versatility, earning praise for its emotional depth.
What Is Eurovision?
The Eurovision Song Contest, launched in 1956, is the world’s largest live music competition, organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Held annually, it brings together artists from over 30 countries to perform original songs. The contest aims to celebrate music, diversity, and unity, with performances ranging from pop to opera. Switzerland hosted the 2025 edition in Basel after Nemo’s 2024 win with “The Code.” The event, broadcast globally, draws millions of viewers for its mix of glitz, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Voting combines jury scores from music professionals and public televotes, creating suspenseful finales. Each country awards points to others, with the highest total winning.
Eurovision’s ethos of inclusivity has made it a platform for social messages, though political controversies, like protests over Israel’s 2025 participation, often arise. This year’s final featured 26 acts, with elaborate staging and vibrant choreography. The contest’s return to Switzerland, where it began, was marked by a pre-recorded message from 1988 winner Céline Dion.
Eurovision’s Legacy
Eurovision has shaped music and culture for nearly seven decades. It launched stars like ABBA (1974) and Céline Dion (1988), while showcasing diverse voices like Conchita Wurst, whose 2014 win championed acceptance. Austria’s three victories highlight its musical heritage, with JJ’s win adding a modern chapter. The contest’s legacy lies in its ability to unite people through music, despite occasional controversies. In 2025, protests outside the Basel venue targeted Israel’s entry, but JJ’s message of love resonated widely.
The event also boosts host cities, with Basel embracing its role through street closures and a festive “Eurovision village.” JJ’s victory ensures Austria will host in 2026, likely sparking economic and cultural benefits. Eurovision remains a global stage for creativity, with its 70th edition next year promising a “platinum jubilee” celebration.
Why and How JJ Won
JJ’s win stemmed from his vocal prowess and emotional delivery. “Wasted Love” blended classical and techno elements, standing out among 37 entries. His black-and-white performance, depicting a stormy boat ride, symbolized emotional turmoil, captivating viewers. The song’s relatable theme of heartbreak, paired with JJ’s falsetto, earned high jury scores, giving him a 44-point lead after the jury vote. Though Israel surged with public votes, JJ’s 178 public points sealed his 436-point total, 79 points ahead of Israel.
