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Observer
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
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 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. His Eurovision song, about the experience of unrequited love, blends lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ representing Austria with the song "Wasted Love" celebrates with the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest trophy after winning the grand final at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) 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'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 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. 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". French singer Louane, 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
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest with operatic 'Wasted Love'
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest with operatic 'Wasted Love' BASEL, Switzerland − Austria won Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on May 17, the country's first victory since bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst won in 2014. Operatic singer JJ won ahead of Israel's Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Oct. 7 attacks, who sang "New Day Will Rise." The event is the world's biggest music competition, watched by more than 160 million people across the world. The win was Austria's third in the competition, following Conchita's success and Udo Juergens' victory in 1966. JJ, 24, a countertenor opera singer from Vienna, combined elements of opera, techno and soprano in his song "Wasted Love," winning the hearts of the professional juries and telephone voters. "This is absolutely insane. My dreams came true," said the singer, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch. "It's out of this world." Going into the final, the Filipino-Austrian was second favorite behind Swedish comedy trio KAJ, whose song extolling the joy of saunas had been the hot favorite with bookmakers and ultimately finished fourth. Switzerland, hosting after Swiss rapper and singer Nemo won last year's contest in Malmo, Sweden, finished 10th. JJ said he wanted to give listeners an insight into his deepest thoughts when he wrote the song, and was happy it had resonated with so many fans. "There's no wasted love. Love is never wasted. There's so much love that we can spread around, and we should use love as the strongest force on planet Earth," he added. His success was applauded by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, who said JJ was writing musical history. "Dear JJ, you have moved Europe with your voice and sung Austria into the spotlight," Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said on X. JJ told reporters he would like next year's event to be hosted in his hometown of Vienna, which hosted the 2015 final, and added he would like to be a TV host for the event. Meinl-Reisinger and others joked about the significant cost of holding the event at a time when the government is planning to cut spending by billions of euros a year to rein in the budget deficit. "Now we're going to have to take a look at our budget," she wrote on X. "But isn't it fantastic?" Fans traveled from across Europe and beyond to Basel, with 100,000 people attending Eurovision events in the city, including the final. Hermann Heyn travelled from Chile for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "We came from really, really far away for this," he told Reuters. "We are not even competing, but we needed to be here." Eurovision, which stresses its political neutrality, faced controversy again this year amid the war in Gaza. Israel's entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. The singer was the most popular among the general public to finish behind Austria, the most popular contestant among the juries. Pro-Palestinian groups urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been killed in the ensuing offensive by Israel, according to local health officials. Around 200 protesters mounted a demonstration in Basel on Saturday evening, while two protesters attempted to get on to the stage during Raphael's performance but were halted by security officials. Nobody was injured. Spanish public broadcaster RTVE displayed a message before the start of the Eurovision show that read: "When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and Justice for Palestine." Contributing: Johnny Cotton, Cecile Mantovani, Swantje Stein, Max Schwarz and Denis Balibouse with Francois Murphy in Vienna and Ana Rios Cantero in Madrid
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
Canada Standard
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
Austria's JJ triumps 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
