Austria's JJ wins Eurovision 2025 in emotional night marked by protest and resilience
An artist's victory on a night of tension and passion
The final notes of
Wasted Love
echoed across the St Jakobshalle arena as Austria's Johannes Pietsch, famous as JJ, clinched the
Eurovision 2025
title. But behind the lights, cheers, and confetti, the evening unfolded as one of the most politically charged in recent memory.
The operatic techno-infused ballad, delivered from the deck of a digitally conjured storm-tossed ship, resonated with both heartbreak and hope, a fitting metaphor for a night that teetered between spectacle and protest.
JJ, a 24-year-old classically trained countertenor with Austrian and Filipino roots, brought Austria its third Eurovision win. The performance channeled the drama of unrequited love, while musically echoing the stylings of 2024 winner Nemo. The techno breakdown in the final act sealed its modern appeal, capturing both jury acclaim and audience votes.
Also read:
Eurovision 2025 Grand Final as 26 countries battle for glory in Basel: Where and when to watch
Live Events
Protest and support intersect as Israel's Raphael faces disruption
Runner-up Yuval Raphael of Israel delivered
New Day Will Rise
in Hebrew, French, and English. A survivor of the 7 October 2023 attacks, Raphael's presence and message of renewal were emotionally resonant.
However, his performance was marred by disruption as two pro-Palestinian protesters rushed toward the stage, throwing paint and briefly interrupting the show. A crew member was hit but uninjured.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation confirmed the agitators were apprehended and handed to police.
'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured,' a spokesman said. 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police... It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.'
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations also took place outside the venue, as well as counter-protests bearing Israeli flags. Meanwhile, Spain's broadcaster RTVE aired a message of solidarity with Palestine, sparking rebuke from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which reminded national networks to maintain neutrality.
Also read:
Eurovision 2025 Semi-Finals: Schedule, lineups, how and where to watch
Eurovision 2025: a grand final of music, messages, and mixed reactions
This year's Eurovision Song Contest marked a softening of previous bans, with Palestinian flags visible in the arena for the first time since 2023. The Israeli National Security Council had previously advised Israeli attendees in Basel to maintain a low profile during the competition, anticipating unrest.
The UK, represented by country pop trio Remember Monday, placed 19th with
What The Hell Just Happened?
While the act avoided a dreaded zero overall, it received no points in the public vote for the second year in a row.
The UK's struggle at Eurovision continues, despite five historic wins. The last glimmer of hope came from Sam Ryder's runner-up finish in 2022 with
Space Man
.
A celebration of music and a mirror to modern Europe
The Eurovision 2025 grand final featured 26 nations and was hosted by an all-female trio with comedian Hazel Brugger, TV star Michelle Hunziker, and seasoned Eurovision personality Sandra Studer. Special performances included crowd favorites Baby Lasagna of Croatia, Finland's Kaarija, and reigning champion Nemo.
Sweden, once a favorite with its quirky sauna-themed number
Bara Bada Bastu
, surprisingly came fourth. Ukraine maintained its strong Eurovision track record with a ninth-place finish, while The Netherlands secured 12th place with Claude's
C'est La Vie
, a calm return after last year's scandal.
Also read:
Eurovision 2025 finale: Finalists, winning odds, Céline Dion comeback rumours, how to watch on streaming, and vote
As JJ raised the glass microphone, he not only marked a personal triumph but ushered Austria into the spotlight as the next host of Eurovision. The 2026 edition will mark the contest's 70th anniversary, and with it, a reflection of how Eurovision has become both a stage for artistry and a canvas for global conversations.
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