Basel, Switzerland – May 18, 2025 – Austria has triumphed at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with JJ’s breathtaking operatic-pop fusion “Wasted Love”, securing the country’s third victory in the competition’s history. The grand finale, held in Basel, Switzerland, saw JJ (Johannes Pietsch) outshine 25 competitors with a performance blending soaring countertenor vocals and electrifying techno beats, earning 436 points from juries and televoters worldwide .
A Historic Win for Austria
JJ’s victory marks Austria’s first Eurovision win since Conchita Wurst’s iconic 2014 triumph, and only the third overall (after Udo Jürgens in 1966). The 24-year-old Vienna State Opera singer delivered a genre-defying act, opening with a haunting orchestral arrangement before erupting into a club-ready finale. His win was celebrated back home, with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker praising JJ for “moving Europe with his voice” .
In his emotional acceptance speech, JJ dedicated the win to unity: “Love is never wasted. We should use love as the strongest force on Earth”—a message resonating amid the contest’s geopolitical tensions .
The Road to Victory: Key Moments
- The Song’s Emotional Core: “Wasted Love” explores unrequited love and resilience, with JJ describing it as “a sad song with hope at its heart” . Its operatic-techno hybrid style drew comparisons to 2024 winner Nemo’s “The Code”, but with a more classical foundation .
- Nail-Biting Finish: Israel’s Yuval Raphael (“New Day Will Rise”) led early, but JJ clinched the title after a dramatic jury-televote split. Raphael’s second-place finish (357 points) sparked both cheers and protests over Israel’s participation amid the Gaza conflict .
- Fan Favorites Fall Short: Sweden’s sauna-themed “Bara Bada Bastu” (ranked 4th) and Estonia’s “Espresso Macchiato” (3rd) charmed audiences but couldn’t surpass JJ’s vocal prowess .
Controversy and Unity at Eurovision 2025
While the night celebrated music, politics loomed large:
- Protests: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied against Israel’s inclusion, while pro-Israel supporters cheered Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks . Two protesters attempted to storm the stage during Raphael’s performance but were intercepted .
- EBU’s Stance: The European Broadcasting Union upheld its “political neutrality” policy, allowing Palestinian flags in the audience but restricting performers to national flags .
Global Impact and What’s Next
- Record Viewership: An estimated 160 million viewers tuned in globally, surpassing events like the Super Bowl .
- JJ’s Future: The win catapults JJ onto the international stage, following Eurovision legends like Celine Dion and ABBA. ORF (Austria’s broadcaster) plans to host Eurovision 2026, continuing the tradition .
- Cultural Showcase: The contest highlighted Europe’s musical diversity, with entries in 20 languages—the most since 1999—from Lithuania’s grunge rock to Latvia’s folk harmonies .
Final Thoughts
JJ’s “Wasted Love” proved that Eurovision remains a platform for artistic innovation and emotional storytelling, even amidst division. As Basel’s lights dim, Austria prepares to welcome the world in 2026—another chapter in Eurovision’s legacy of “uniting by music.”
For more highlights, watch JJ’s winning performance here or explore behind-the-scenes footage on Eurovision.tv.
