Austria's JJ Captivates Eurovision with Operatic-Pop Fusion
JJ, born Johannes Pietsch, delivered a compelling blend of operatic vocals and contemporary techno elements, captivating both jury and public votes. His performance resonated deeply, earning Austria a combined score of 436 points, narrowly surpassing Israel's Yuval Raphael, who finished second.
The song 'Wasted Love,' co-written by JJ alongside Teodora 'Teya' Špirić and Thomas Thurner, delves into themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. JJ's unique countertenor range, honed through his performances at the Vienna State Opera and studies at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, brought a distinctive depth to the piece.
The Eurovision final was not without controversy. Protests erupted over Israel's participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, culminating in two pro-Palestinian activists attempting to disrupt Raphael's performance. Security swiftly intervened, and the event proceeded without further incident.
JJ's victory has been celebrated across Austria, with President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stöcker praising his achievement. Cities such as Innsbruck and Wels have expressed interest in hosting the next Eurovision contest. JJ, who is of Filipino heritage, has also been lauded by the Filipino community, marking a significant moment of representation on the international stage.
The United Kingdom's entry, the girl group Remember Monday, placed 19th despite a strong jury score. Their performance faced an unexpected setback when member Holly-Anne Hull discovered her wedding ring missing post-performance, later recovered after a backstage mix-up.
See also Lyft Secures European Foothold with Strategic FreeNow Purchase
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
8 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Rome-based Filipina Kate Gatpandan shines as runner-up in Miss Philippines-Earth 2025
For Kate Gatpandan, the glittering stage of the 25th Miss Philippines – Earth wasn't just about gowns, lights, and competition—it was about faith, perseverance, and representing the communities that shaped her. The Rome-based beauty, who proudly carried the names of Batangas City, Ilagan, Isabela, and the Filipino community in Italy, made an inspiring run in the prestigious pageant held Aug. 10, securing place in the Top 10 and finishing as runner-up in the international competition's silver anniversary edition, aptly themed Silver Lining. 'This chapter of my life, my first-ever Filipino pageant, has been nothing short of His grace in action,' Gatpandan said in an exclusive call interview. 'From the very first step on this journey, I have kept one truth in my heart: God's plans are always greater than mine.' While she may not have taken home the crown, Gatpandan's journey was a triumph in itself. Behind her was an entire village—mentors, designers, friends, and family—who believed in her vision and advocacy for Mother Earth. She credits her success to her national director, Cheryl Delgado; pageant mentor Ricky Ramirez Abad; Q&A coach Jesus Peñaflor Jr.; catwalk trainer Rodin Gilbert B. Flores Angelo Mendez; her close circle of supportive friends from Inspire; and renowned Filipino designers Val Taguba, Fundador Cardenas Blaza, and Bepz Joseph Torres, who dressed her in creations that married elegance with purpose. She also praised on her social media account, the artistry of photographers Markraymond Martinez, Ben Anthony Bagalihog, and Alexander John Fong, as well as hair and makeup artists Marienel Agawin and Zedrick H. Eleponga, who ensured she stepped onstage ready for every spotlight. 'To my family, relatives, and friends… your prayers, words, and unwavering belief in me were my armor,' she said. 'To everyone who voted, rooted, and stood by me, you made me feel like I already had the crown.' Her gratitude extended to Carousel Productions, headed by Ramon Monzon and Lorraine Schuck, for trusting her skills and advocacy. 'This sash may not be the crown yet, but it is a promise… the rise of a braver, wiser, and stronger Kate,' she added. While the pageant chapter has closed for now, Gatpandan made it clear her story is far from over. With poise and conviction, she will come back and left a promise hanging in the air: 'One day, in God's perfect time, that crown will be mine, and it will be for all of you.' Miss Joy Mayanne Barcoma of Bacoor City was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2025. (Alona Cochon)
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
Dubai-based Nadeen Ayoub to make history as first Miss Universe Palestine
Former Miss Earth finalist Nadeen Ayoub, a Dubai resident, will represent Palestine for the first time at the Miss Universe pageant, marking a historic debut for the nation. The Palestinian expat announced the news wearing a white dress adorned with traditional tatreez embroidery, a centuries-old art form used to tell stories through intricate patterns and colors. Ayoub, crowned Miss Earth Water in 2022, said she will use the Miss Universe stage to carry the voices of Palestinian women and children to a global audience. 'I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title — but with a truth,' she said. 'We are more than our suffering — we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.' The 2025 competition comes as conflict continues to affect thousands in Gaza, a reality Ayoub says adds a deeper sense of responsibility to her role. She is also the founder of Sayidat Falasteen, a platform under the Miss Palestine Organisation that showcases the resilience and achievements of Palestinian women. In addition to her advocacy work, Ayoub runs the Olive Green Academy, an education initiative focusing on sustainability and artificial intelligence. With 1.1 million Instagram followers, she hopes her voice will help highlight the strength and vision of Palestinians on one of the world's most-watched stages.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
PH Consulate in Dubai to host Baybayin calligraphy workshop for Buwan ng Wika
Ever wondered what the ancient Filipino script Baybayin looks like and how it can connect you to your roots? This August 15, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai will hold a Baybayin calligraphy workshop as part of this year's Buwan ng Wika celebration. The event, titled Katha, aims to introduce participants to the pre-Spanish script of the Filipinos, a writing system now under threat of extinction. It will feature Mr. Gino Banola, a Baybayin calligrapher and Filipino martial artist, and will commence at 1:30 PM. The workshop is part of the Consulate's year-long Labindalawa campaign, which celebrates Filipino culture and heritage in the UAE. The Consulate said the workshop provides a space where 'artistry meets advocacy' for language preservation. 'By practicing Baybayin, participants engage in a form of cultural stewardship, keeping alive the visual identity of a script that once connected communities and now stands as a symbol for the safeguarding of all Philippine tongues under threat,' the Consulate said. The workshop emphasizes that language is not only spoken, but it also lives in written form, where symbols and shapes carry the memories, identity, and history of a people.
