JJ, the 24-year-old Austrian Countertenor, Triumphs in Eurovision 2025
At just 24 years old, JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, clinched victory in the Eurovision 2025 contest held in Switzerland. His angelic smile and a poignant song about unrequited love, “Wasted Love,” earned him 436 points. The track masterfully blends classical tones with a modern rhythmic base.
Background on JJ and His Impact
JJ’s triumph in Eurovision 2025 marks Austria’s first win since Conchita Wurst, a transgender artist with a beard, won the competition 11 years ago. The contest, now in its 69th year, is the world’s largest television entertainment program, having been won by music legends such as the Swedish group ABBA, French singer France Gall, and Canadian Céline Dion, who represented Switzerland.
The Competition and Key Participants
Israel, with a controversial entry, secured second place with 357 points. Estonia followed closely behind with 356 points. Swerden, historically dominant in the competition, was favored to win but ended up in fourth place due to a lackluster performance. The voting system combined jury scores from each of the 37 participating countries and televotes, along with a global bonus vote.
“A Sense of Unity”
The Eurovision contest, with its mix of music, kitsch, and spectacular stage designs, captivated the attention of approximately 160 million viewers across Europe and beyond. The 26 finalists, waving their national flags on stage, showcased the diverse music scenes across Europe.
Political Tensions and Protests
While political protests against the war in Gaza, which garnered significant attention in the previous year’s contest in Malmö, Sweden, did not generate as much interest in Basilea, there was a brief confrontation between police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators away from the festival venue. The police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Fans and Adrenaline
Eurovision fans eagerly snatched up the 6,500 available tickets for the final show. Among them was Luena Beeler, a 20-year-old enthusiast wearing a red sequined dress and an Austrian flag, expressing her excitement about attending her first live Eurovision show.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is JJ? JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, is a 24-year-old Austrian countertenor who won Eurovision 2025.
- What is “Wasted Love” about? “Wasted Love” is a song by JJ that deals with the theme of unrequited love, blending classical and modern musical elements.
- Why was Israel’s participation controversial? Israel’s entry was controversial due to calls for boycotts over its presence in the Eurovision Song Contest, amid ongoing political tensions.
- What was the voting system for Eurovision 2025? The voting system combined jury scores from each of the 37 participating countries and televotes, along with a global bonus vote.
