JJ of Austria celebrates after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. AP Photo
Austria was awash with joy on Sunday as singer JJ returned home victorious after winning the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. At Vienna airport, a crowd of fans greeted the 24-year-old with thunderous applause, open arms, and blooming roses.
They sang, danced, and held up signs of support as JJ, real name Johannes Pietsch, stepped out with a trophy in one hand and a bouquet in the other. Teary-eyed and smiling, he told the crowd, “This victory is for you.”
JJ’s win in Basel marked Austria’s third-ever Eurovision crown. He joins legends Udo Jürgens (1966) and Conchita Wurst (2014) in the country’s pop history books.
A Voice That Mesmerized a Continent
JJ’s song “Wasted Love” blends operatic countertenor vocals with an edgy techno backdrop. His haunting performance captivated both juries and millions of public voters across Europe.
He also performs at the Vienna State Opera and credits his classical roots for shaping his unique sound. “This is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s crazy,” JJ said moments after being handed the iconic glass microphone trophy.
Austria Bursting with Pride
President Alexander Van der Bellen praised JJ’s win in a video posted on X, calling it a “remarkable success” and lauding his voice and stage presence. Chancellor Christian Stoecker echoed the praise, saying JJ had just “written Austrian music history.”
Even the Vienna State Opera chimed in with pride. “From Mozart’s Magic Flute to a Eurovision win — only in Austria,” noted opera director Bogdan Roscic.
Who Will Host Eurovision 2026?
With the 2025 win secured, the next big question is — where will Eurovision 2026 be held?
While JJ hopes to co-host the event in Vienna alongside his mentor Conchita Wurst, other cities are already lobbying. Innsbruck, Oberwart, and Wels have all expressed interest, pushing for representation beyond the capital.
Tensions Amid the Glitz
The grand finale in Basel was not without controversy. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael came second after winning a huge share of the public vote for her powerful anthem “New Day Will Rise.”
However, her presence stirred protests. Demonstrators called for Israel’s exclusion due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Some attempted to breach the stage after her performance, and one crew member was hit with paint. Raphael’s team later said she was left “shaken and upset.”
Raphael is a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. The violence has since claimed more than 52,800 lives in Gaza, according to health officials there.
A Night of Music, Emotion, and Messages
Despite the tension, the show dazzled. With 26 acts battling it out in a three-minute spotlight, the night offered a colorful blend of dance, drama, and eccentricity.
Estonia’s Tommy Cash earned third place with a quirky dance track, while Sweden’s sauna-themed entry “Bara Bada Bastu” took fourth.
At the post-win press conference, JJ shared the heart behind “Wasted Love,” saying, “Love is the strongest force on Earth — and it persevered.”
JJ also marked a milestone as the first Eurovision winner with Filipino heritage. “Let’s spread love, guys,” he urged. “Always.”
