Eurovision 2025: Austria's JJ wins with "Wasted Love" – DW – 05/18/2025
Austria's JJ has won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with "Wasted Love." An estimated 160 million people from Europe and beyond are expected to tune in.
Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria wins 69th Eurovision Song Contest with his pop-opera song "Wasted Love."
The Swiss city of Basel was hosting the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night.
While Sweden was the hotly tipped favorite, the always unpredictable event was won by Austria's classically trained countertenor.
Performers from France, the Netherlands, Finland and Israel have also been touted as contenders who could deliver an upset.
The 26 songs that will be performed, including a Portuguese guitar ballad, an alternative rock band from Lithuania, Austrian opera and a Latvian choir, showcase a broad range of European music.
The winner will be decided by viewers' votes and those of a jury, whose votes have already been recorded based on the untelevised dress rehearsal on Friday.
Countdown to Eurovision final in Switzerland begins
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Israel's participation draws protests
Though Eurovision is billed as a celebration of European unity, rivalries and friendships often come to the fore when the viewers' voting begins following the two hours' of concert performances.
Despite attempts to focus on the glitz and glamor, politics are never far from the surface.
Israel's participation in particular has been controversial, with pro-Palestinian protests being held in Basel against Israel's war in Gaza. Pro-Israel protests were also held.
The Israeli entrant, Yuval Raphael — a survivor of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks — will be performing a song entitled "New Day Will Rise".
Thousands descend on Basel
Another aspect to watch out for is whether Celine Dion — the contest's winner in 1988 when she represented Switzerland — will make an appearance.
The Canadian star has been struggling with Stiff Person Syndrome, a painful autoimmune disorder, but there have been rumors she might make an emotional return to Eurovision.
Organizers said more than 500,000 people had gathered in Basel for Eurovision week.
Around 36,000 were due to watch the show at the soccer stadium across the street from the arena where the contest is being held.
"Everyone [is] united by music," Basel's project leader Beat Lauchli said.
Fans of the music contest have lauded its growing diversity Image: Martin Meissner/AP/picture alliance
Edited by: Rana Taha
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