Austria’s Rising Star JJ Takes Eurovision Crown with a Stunning Techno-Opera Fusion
Austria is buzzing with excitement after classically trained countertenor JJ, aka Johannes Pietsch, clinched victory at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with his show-stopping track, “Wasted Love.” The song, a wild mix of operatic, multi-octave vocals paired with an electrifying techno beat, has officially put Austria back on the Eurovision map in style.
At just 24 years old, JJ is no ordinary pop singer — he’s a full-fledged performer at the prestigious Vienna State Opera. That classical training showed through every note he sang, capturing the hearts of millions across Europe. After his win on Saturday night in Basel, Switzerland, Austria prepared to welcome their newest music hero back home, ready to celebrate this monumental achievement.
A Victory That Surpassed All Expectations
When JJ was handed the iconic microphone-shaped glass trophy, he was visibly overwhelmed. “This is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s crazy,” he said with a mix of disbelief and joy. His win marked Austria’s third Eurovision triumph, following the legendary Udo Jürgens in 1966 and the unforgettable bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014 — two iconic names that helped shape the country’s Eurovision legacy.
“I’m just so grateful,” JJ added. “All of Austria is happy.” And indeed, the whole nation seemed to share that feeling.
Austria Celebrates Their Newest Eurovision Champion
Austria’s political leaders were quick to join the chorus of congratulations. President Alexander Van der Bellen took to X (formerly Twitter) early Sunday morning, posting a video tribute that captured the national mood perfectly. “What a success! What a voice! What a show!” he exclaimed. “All of Austria is happy.”
Chancellor Christian Stoecker echoed those sentiments on the same platform, tweeting: “What a great success — my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!”
Even the Vienna State Opera, where JJ hones his craft, expressed their excitement. Opera director Bogdan Roscic told the Austrian press agency APA, “From the Magic Flute to winning the Song Contest — it’s a story that can only happen in Austria.” That blend of classical and contemporary, old and new, is exactly what makes JJ’s victory so remarkable.
Which City Will Host Eurovision 2026? The Race is On!
Already, multiple Austrian cities are eager to host next year’s Eurovision. Innsbruck’s mayor Johannes Anzengruber pointed out that “not everything has to take place in Vienna... Austria is bigger than that.” Towns like Oberwart in Burgenland and Wels in Upper Austria have thrown their hats into the ring, sparking an exciting nationwide competition.
JJ himself hopes the next contest stays in Vienna, mentioning his dream to co-host with his mentor, none other than Conchita Wurst. That prospect alone has Eurovision fans buzzing with anticipation!
A Nail-Biting and Eclectic Final Night
The final competition was a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. Estonia’s Tommy Cash snagged third place with his cheeky, mock-Italian dance track, “Espresso Macchiato,” a song full of tongue-in-cheek humor and bold beats. Sweden’s entry, KAJ, had been the bookmakers' favorite with a peppy sauna-themed song, “Bara Bada Bastu,” but finished just shy of the podium in fourth place.
Fans also watched closely as some heavily favored performers, like French chanteuse Louane and soulful Dutch singer Claude, didn’t quite hit the mark, showing just how unpredictable Eurovision can be. The event was a true celebration of Europe’s eclectic—and sometimes baffling—musical tastes, where diversity reigns supreme.
The Shadow of Conflict: Gaza and the Contest
This year’s Eurovision wasn’t without its controversies. The ongoing conflict in Gaza cast a somber cloud over the festivities, especially surrounding Israel’s participation for the second year in a row. Raphael, an Israeli singer and a survivor of Hamas’ horrific attack on a music festival in southern Israel last October, faced a mixed reception of cheers and boos.
The Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR reported a disturbing incident where a man and woman tried to climb over barriers at the end of Raphael’s song. They allegedly threw paint at crew members, leaving Raphael “shaken and upset,” according to her team.
For context, the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack killed 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages taken into Gaza. Israel’s subsequent offensive has tragically resulted in over 52,800 casualties in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.
Protests in Basel: A Divided Crowd
Despite the festive atmosphere, Basel saw both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests during the contest. Hundreds of Palestinians marched through the city before the event, waving flags and chanting “Boycott Israel.” The protest was unauthorized, and Basel police reported injuries on both sides.
In contrast, a group of Israel supporters gathered earlier at the city’s cathedral square to cheer on Raphael and affirm that “Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland,” as one attendee, Rebecca Laes-Kushner, put it.
“This is supposed to be about music, not about hate,” she said — a sentiment many hope Eurovision continues to embody in the years to come.
Eurovision’s Renewed Commitment to Unity
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, took a firm stance this year by tightening its code of conduct. The new rules emphasize respect for Eurovision’s core values: universality, diversity, equality, and inclusivity — and stress the competition’s political neutrality.
Eurovision director Martin Green shared with reporters, “Our goal was to re-establish a sense of unity, calm, and togetherness in a difficult world.” He also praised the professionalism of all 37 national delegations, saying they “behaved impeccably.”
Why JJ’s Win Matters: Beyond Just a Trophy
JJ’s victory represents more than just a trophy for Austria. It’s a symbol of how music can bridge worlds — classical meets electronic, old meets new, tradition meets innovation. His performance showcased how a classically trained opera singer could break through the pop-heavy world of Eurovision and win hearts with something truly fresh.
This fusion of styles could inspire artists everywhere to blend genres boldly, reminding audiences that music is limitless. Plus, JJ’s young age and immense talent offer hope for the next generation of performers who want to push boundaries without losing authenticity.
Key Takeaways from Eurovision 2025:
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JJ’s unique blend of opera and techno won the crowd and jury alike.
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Austria celebrates its third Eurovision win after a 59-year gap since its last victory.
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Political tensions and protests added a complex backdrop, but music took center stage.
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Multiple Austrian cities vie to host Eurovision 2026, reflecting the country’s pride and excitement.
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Eurovision remains a global symbol of diversity and unity despite geopolitical challenges.
What’s Next for JJ?
Back in Vienna, JJ is set for a triumphant homecoming. Expected to arrive at Vienna airport Sunday afternoon, he will face a throng of fans and media before a big press conference that evening. His journey from the opera stage to Europe’s biggest music competition winner is an inspiring story of passion and perseverance.
As Austria basks in the glow of victory, the question on everyone’s lips is: How will JJ’s win shape the future of Austrian music — and Eurovision as a whole?
One thing’s for sure: Austria’s new star is ready to shine brighter than ever.
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