Latest news with #Austrian-Filipino
CairoScene
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Austria Wins Eurovision 2025 With Dubai-Raised Singer JJ
Raised in Dubai, JJ brings Austria its third Eurovision win with a genre-blending performance. May 19, 2025 Did you know that the latest Eurovision winner grew up in Dubai? Austrian-Filipino singer JJ, born Johannes Pietsch and partly raised in the UAE, secured Austria's third Eurovision Song Contest victory with his operatic pop ballad 'Wasted Love'. The 24-year-old countertenor earned a total of 436 points—258 from professional juries and 178 from the public vote—narrowly beating out Israel's Yuval Raphael, who placed second, and Estonia's Tommy Cash, who placed third. JJ's performance stood out for its fusion of classical vocals with modern electronic elements, a style he honed during his formative years in Dubai, where he often participated in weekend karaoke sessions. As Austria prepares to host the next Eurovision Song Contest, discussions are underway regarding the selection of a suitable venue and the allocation of funding, with Vienna emerging as a potential host city.
Daily Tribune
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Austria's JJ soars to Eurovision victory with operatic pop
With his falsetto voice and an angelic smile, Johannes Pietsch, alias JJ, early Sunday catapulted Austria to its first Eurovision victory since the triumph of bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst 11 years ago. With "Wasted Love", which fuses pop and lyrical elements in a crescendo that flows into techno sounds, the Alpine country made what some thought a risky choice -- but it paid off in spades. The song raked in 436 points at the Eurovision Song Contest final in Basel, placing him ahead of Israel in second place and Estonia in third. "This is beyond my wildest dreams! It's crazy!" said JJ, who gripped viewers with his ethereal performance, filmed in black and white, in the 4:3 ratio of the monochrome television era. The Austrian-Filipino countertenor, 24, said he had wanted to give viewers "an insight (into) my deepest soul, how I felt when we wrote the song". He wanted there to be "no wasted love". "There's so much love that we can spread around, and we should use love. It's the strongest force on planet Earth." JJ grew up in Dubai before discovering classical music in Vienna, where, before Eurovision, he was honing his skills between talent shows and minor roles at the opera. In April, he told AFP: "It surprises people that a man can sing so high." Even though he says he appreciates Austria's "very strict" and famous "classical world", he also wants to have the "freedom to let loose" and "experiment". 'Something new' His Eurovision entry was sung from the heart. "My song is about my personal experience with wasted and unreciprocated love. I had too much love to put out there; not much came back," he told AFP during Eurovision week. "My message is to stay strong and you'll get out of any situation, no matter how tough it is. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel." The song pivots from high soprano notes in to a blend of lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. "We wanted to bring in something new, something unexpected," he told AFP last month, adding that the song's success surprised him. "I did not expect that the mixture of pop and classical music would be so well received, because classical music is something different and not many people listen to it." The singer has set his sights on a blend known as operatic pop, a "cross-genre and cross-disciplinary approach (which) demonstrates exceptional versatility and innovative strength", said Andreas Mailath-Pokorny, rector at Vienna arts and music university MUK, where JJ studies. Austria first won Eurovision in 1966 with "Merci, Cherie" by Udo Juergens -- a ballad about a break-up. Bach and Whitney Houston "When JJ sings, it's as if time stops," said Austria's 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, describing the "impressive professional" as a worthy successor. Earlier this year, the two performers released a duet, while JJ said Wurst provided "many tips" ahead of Saturday's contest. JJ got a taste for classical music from his father, an Austrian IT professional, especially for Bach and Mozart, while his mother, a cook from the Philippines, listened to Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. He went to an international school in Dubai, where his father set up his company. He speaks German, English and Tagalog and learned Arabic and French. He hails Eurovision's massive international following -- and the contest being a "platform for everyone", including the LGBTQ community. "Music is a unified language that everyone speaks and understands," he said.
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Filipino-Austrian JJ wins Eurovision crown with song ‘Wasted Love'
Austria's JJ won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday, with his operatic song "Wasted Love" triumphing at the world's biggest live music television event. After votes from national juries around Europe and viewers from across the continent and beyond, JJ gave Austria its first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 triumph. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel -- whose participation drew protests -- on 357 and Estonia on 356. "Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true," 24-year-old countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said after his triumph in the Swiss city of Basel. JJ from Austria talks to the media at a press conference after winning the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, early on Sunday. AP "Love is the strongest force in the world. Let's spread more love," the Austrian-Filipino singer said. "Wasted Love" saw him hit the high notes while mixing opera and techno. His Eurovision song, about the experience of unrequited love, blends lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. His performance, broadcast in black and white in 4:3 ratio, captivated viewers around Europe. "What a fantastic success! My warmest congratulations on your victory," said Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker, adding: "JJ is making Austrian music history." The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also issued a message of congratulations to JJ on Facebook. "What an incredible moment -- Filipino pride on the European stage!," it said. Agence France-Presse
Canada Standard
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision 2025 with opera-techno fusion
Austria's JJ won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday, with his operatic song "Wasted Love" triumphing at the world's biggest live music television event. After votes from national juries around Europe and viewers from across the continent and beyond, JJ gave Austria its first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 triumph. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel -- whose participation drew protests -- on 357 and Estonia on 356. "Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true," 24-year-old countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said after his triumph in the Swiss city ofBasel. "Love is the strongest force in the world. Let's spread more love," the Austrian-Filipino singer said. "Wasted Love" saw him hit the high notes while mixing opera and techno. His Eurovision song, about the experience of unrequited love, blends lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. His performance, broadcast in black and white in 4:3 ratio, captivated viewers around Europe. "What a fantastic success! My warmest congratulations on your victory," said Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker, adding: "JJ is making Austrian music history." The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also issued a message of congratulations to JJ on Facebook. "What an incredible moment -- Filipino pride on the European stage!," it said. Celine Dion no-show The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel'sSt. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium. An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand. Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week. Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours thatCeline Dionmight make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome. The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing for Switzerland. But in the end, she did not appear. "We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP. "We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health." Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu". But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy. Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10. Israel protests As the televotes came in, Israel held the top spot until, right at the very end, the public votes for Austria gave the Alpine nation the right to host Eurovision next year. Israel's participation inEurovision 2025prompted a series of protests in Basel over the war in Gaza. Israel's entrant Yuval Raphael survived the 7October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds. During the performance of her song "New Day Will Rise", loud whistles could be heard and two people tried to get on stage. "At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint," a Eurovision spokesman told AFP. They were taken outside and handed over to police, he added. Elsewhere in Basel, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed briefly with riot police. Blows were exchanged and officers deployed tear gas. Ahead of the final on Saturday, Spain's public broadcaster defied the organisers to air a message in support of Palestinians -- despite being warned to avoid references to the Gaza offensive. 'Ich Komme' The songs in contention were a showcase of Europe's different musical scenes. They included a Portuguese guitar ballad, a Maltese diva, Lithuanian alternative rock, an Italian singalong, a Greek power ballad, ethereal Latvian choral folk and German booming beats. Estonia's wobbly-legged Tommy Cash finished a close third with his cod-Italian "Espresso Macchiato" song. Finland's Erika-- who gained momentum during Eurovision week with the orgasmic "Ich Komme" -- was hoisted in the air on a spark-emitting golden microphone. Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, set a new record between Eurovision appearances, returning 30 years after her first performance. The Netherlands' competitor Claude broke into tears after performing his song "C'est La Vie". French singerLouane, who lost both her parents as a teenager, performed her song "Maman", with falling pieces of cork representing the sands of time. And Malta's Miriana Conte finished her diva big number "Serving" by bouncing up and down on an exercise ball. (AFP) Originally published on RFI
Canada Standard
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
Austria's JJ triumphs at Eurovision 2025 amid anti-Israel protests
Voting in this year's Eurovision Song Contest came down to the wire on Sunday with Austria edging ahead of Israel to clinch the highest number of votes in the country's first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 win. Austria's JJ won the contest with his operatic song "Wasted Love" performed during the world's biggest live music television event. After votes from national juries aroundEuropeand viewers from across the continent and beyond, JJ gaveAustriaits first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 triumph. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead ofIsrael-- whose participation drew protests -- on 357 and Estonia on 356. "Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true," 24-year-old countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said after his triumph in the Swiss city of Basel. "Love is the strongest force in the world. Let's spread more love," the Austrian-Filipino singer said. "Wasted Love" saw him hit the high notes while mixing opera and techno. HisEurovisionsong, about the experience of unrequited love, blends lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. His performance, broadcast in black and white in 4:3 ratio, captivated viewers around Europe. "What a fantastic success! My warmest congratulations on your victory," said Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker, adding: "JJ is making Austrianmusichistory." The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also issued a message of congratulations to JJ on Facebook. "What an incredible moment -- Filipino pride on the European stage!," it said. Celine Dion no-show The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel's St. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium. An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand. Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week. Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours that Celine Dion might make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome. The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing forSwitzerland. But in the end, she did not appear. "We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP. "We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health." Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu". But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy. Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10. Israel protests As the televotes came in, Israel held the top spot until, right at the very end, the public votes for Austria gave the Alpine nation the right to host Eurovision next year. Israel's participation in Eurovision 2025 prompted a series of protests in Basel over the war in Gaza. Israel's entrant Yuval Raphael survived the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds. During the performance of her song "New Day Will Rise", loud whistles could be heard and two people tried to get on stage. "At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint," a Eurovision spokesman told AFP. They were taken outside and handed over to police, he added. Elsewhere in Basel, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed briefly with riot police. Blows were exchanged and officers deployed tear gas. Ahead of the final on Saturday, Spain's public broadcaster defied the organisers to air a message in support of Palestinians -- despite being warned to avoid references to the Gaza offensive. 'Ich Komme' The songs in contention were a showcase of Europe's different musical scenes. They included a Portuguese guitar ballad, a Maltese diva, Lithuanian alternative rock, an Italian singalong, a Greek power ballad, ethereal Latvian choral folk and German booming beats. Estonia's wobbly-legged Tommy Cash finished a close third with his cod-Italian "Espresso Macchiato" song. Finland's Erika Vikman -- who gained momentum during Eurovision week with the orgasmic "Ich Komme" -- was hoisted in the air on a spark-emitting golden microphone. Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, set a new record between Eurovision appearances, returning 30 years after her first performance. The Netherlands' competitor Claude broke into tears after performing his song "C'est La Vie". And Malta's Miriana Conte finished her diva big number "Serving" by bouncing up and down on an exercise ball. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Originally published on France24
