Latest news with #Katarsis
LeMonde
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
Austria's JJ triumphs at Eurovision with operatic powerhouse 'Wasted Love'
Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Saturday, May 17, with the operatic song "Wasted Love." Israel's Yuval Raphael came second at a competition overshadowed by the Gaza war. The world's largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas, at a celebration of music and unity ruffled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturday's grand final. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with "Espresso Macchiato," and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode "Bara Bada Bastu," came fourth. Eclectic and sometimes baffling Acts from 26 countries – trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals – performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent's pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had three minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner. The show offered a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraine's Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the UK's Remember Monday offered country pop. Italy's Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvia's six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies. There were divas aplenty, including Spain's Melody, Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with "GAJA," and Malta's outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed "Serving" – a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers – on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. "In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English," he said. But "in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn't succeeded. "An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days." 'Boycott Israel' This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerland's Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country's participation. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Boycott Israel." Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basel's cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that "Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland," Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said. She said that "it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism," if Raphael won. "This is supposed to be about music, not about hate," she said. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest's code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision's values of "universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity" and its political neutrality. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country's flag. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers' goal was to "re-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world." "All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably," he said.
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest with pop-opera song ‘Wasted Love'
BASEL, Switzerland — Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Saturday with the operatic song 'Wasted Love.' Israel's Yuval Raphael came second at a competition overshadowed by the Gaza war. The world's largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas, at a celebration of music and unity ruffled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturday's grand final. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with 'Espresso Macchiato,' and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent's pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had 3 minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner. The show offered a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraine's Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the U.K.'s Remember Monday offered country pop. Italy's Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvia's six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies. There were divas aplenty, including Spain's Melody, Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with 'GAJA,' and Malta's outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed 'Serving' – a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers – on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. 'In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English,' he said. But 'in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn't succeeded. 'An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days.' This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerland's Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country's participation. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'Boycott Israel.' Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basel's cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that 'Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland,' Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said. She said that 'it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism,' if Raphael won. 'This is supposed to be about music, not about hate,' she said. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest's code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision's values of 'universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity' and its political neutrality. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country's flag. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers' goal was to 're-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world.' 'All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably,' he said.
Hamilton Spectator
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest with pop-opera song ‘Wasted Love'
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Saturday with the operatic song 'Wasted Love.' Israel's Yuval Raphael came second at a competition overshadowed by the Gaza war. The world's largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas, at a celebration of music and unity ruffled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturday's grand final. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with 'Espresso Macchiato,' and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. Eclectic and sometimes baffling Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent's pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had 3 minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner. The show offered a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraine's Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the U.K.'s Remember Monday offered country pop. Italy's Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvia's six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies. There were divas aplenty, including Spain's Melody, Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with 'GAJA,' and Malta's outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed 'Serving' – a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers – on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. 'In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English,' he said. But 'in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn't succeeded. 'An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days.' The war in Gaza clouded the contest This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerland's Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country's participation. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'Boycott Israel.' Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basel's cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that 'Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland,' Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said. She said that 'it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism,' if Raphael won. 'This is supposed to be about music, not about hate,' she said. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest's code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision's values of 'universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity' and its political neutrality. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country's flag. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers' goal was to 're-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world.' 'All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably,' he said. ___ Hilary Fox and Kwiyeon Ha in Basel, Maria Sherman in New York, Sylvia Hui in London and Stefanio Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.
Mint
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Austrias JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest with pop-opera song Wasted Love
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Classically trained countertenor JJ of Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Saturday with the operatic song 'Wasted Love.' Israel's Yuval Raphael came second at a competition overshadowed by the Gaza war. The world's largest live music event reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel, Switzerland that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas, at a celebration of music and unity ruffled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ beat 25 other competitors during Saturday's grand final. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with 'Espresso Macchiato,' and Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. Acts from 26 countries — trimmed from 37 entrants through two elimination semifinals — performed to some 160 million viewers for the continent's pop crown. No smoke machine, jet of flame or dizzying light display was spared by musicians who had 3 minutes to win over millions of viewers who, along with national juries of music professionals, pick the winner. The show offered a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. Lithuanian band Katarsis delivered grunge rock, while Ukraine's Ziferblat channeled prog rock and the U.K.'s Remember Monday offered country pop. Italy's Lucio Corsi evoked 1970s glam rock, while Icelandic duo VAEB rapped about rowing and Latvia's six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies. There were divas aplenty, including Spain's Melody, Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap, with 'GAJA,' and Malta's outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed 'Serving' – a song whose previous suggestive title and lyrics were changed on the orders of contest organizers – on a set including a glitter ball and giant lips. Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision, said the competition has become more diverse over the years, both musically and linguistically. There are songs in 20 languages this year, including Ukrainian, Icelandic, Albanian, Latvian and Maltese. 'In the past it was about having a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English,' he said. But 'in recent years the formulaic approach to a Eurovision entry hasn't succeeded. 'An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days.' This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Dozens of former participants, including Switzerland's Nemo, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country's participation. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests both took place in Basel, though on a much smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden, where tensions spilled over backstage and Dutch competitor Joost Klein was expelled over an alleged altercation with a crew member. Hundreds of people marched through Basel just before the competition, waving Palestinian flags and chanting 'Boycott Israel.' Earlier, a group of Israel supporters gathered in Basel's cathedral square to root for Raphael and to show that 'Jews belong in public spaces in Switzerland,' Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner said. She said that 'it would be such a strong statement against antisemitism,' if Raphael won. 'This is supposed to be about music, not about hate,' she said. The European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, which runs Eurovision, tightened the contest's code of conduct this year, calling on participants to respect Eurovision's values of 'universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity' and its political neutrality. After a controversial ban in 2024 on flags, apart from national ones, being waved in the arena, this year audience members can bring Palestinian flags or any others, as long as they are legal under Swiss law. Performers, though, can only wave their own country's flag. Eurovision director Martin Green told reporters that the organizers' goal was to 're-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness this year in a difficult world.' 'All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably,' he said. Hilary Fox and Kwiyeon Ha in Basel, Maria Sherman in New York, Sylvia Hui in London and Stefanio Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Eurovision 2025 Final LIVE: Remember Monday fly flag for UK in song contest parade
THE Eurovision grand finale is finally here - but who will take home the coveted prize? The song contest sees 26 countries battle it out on the stage in Basel, Switzerland tonight. Fans and betting agencies made predictions on who will take the crown home. Sweden has been a clear favourite so far with a quirky and upbeat song in the native language. The UK is represented by girlband Remember Monday who are flying the flag for Brits with a song titled What The Hell Just Happened? The competition is being broadcast live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, having started at 8pm BST. 25 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien Group effort Alternative rock band Katarsis are representing Lithuania in this year's final. Could the song Tavo akys secure victory for the group? 29 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien Powerful performance Representing Israel is Yuval Raphael with New Day Will Rise. Following this performance, commentator Graham Norton noted it was a "mixed response" in the crowd. 35 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien Estonia's performance Rapper and singer Tommy Cash is singing Espresso Macchiato for Estonia's entry. Is anyone else craving coffee now? 38 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien Catchy tune Luxembourg's Laura Thorn has taken to the stage with La poupée monte le son. One fan wrote on X: "I don't understand french at all but this is catchy." 45 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien Kicking things off First up is Kyle Alessandro for Norway - singing "Lighter". At just 19, he's the youngest performer in tonight's line-up. One fan wrote on X: "Ooo I like Norway's entry #Eurovision." 47 minutes ago By Conor O'Brien How can fans support their favourite acts? Voting rules There are some important rules to keep in mind when voting in Eurovision 2025: You cannot vote for your own country's entry Each person is allowed to vote up to 20 times, but only once per act per voting method Voting is open to viewers in all participating countries, as well as the 'Rest of the World' — i.e. non-participating countries In the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, all participating countries are eligible to vote, not only those competing in the final itself Votes from the Rest of the World are aggregated and count as one additional set of points. Today, 19:45 By Conor O'Brien How many times has the UK received 'nil points?' While the UK has won Eurovision five times over the years, the nation has received nil points on two occasions. The first unlucky recipients were Liverpool duo Jemini back in 2003, after performing their song Cry Baby. Jemini went their separate ways shortly after the contest. In May 2021, UK entry James Newman gained zero points from the public and the juries. Today, 19:30 By Conor O'Brien Why do Brits watch Eurovision? United Kingdom has entered the Eurovision annually since 1959 and is one of the "Big Five" nations that take part. New data from Paddy Power Games has revealed the reasons behind why Brits watch Eurovision each year. 23% of Brits revealed they watch the contest for popular broadcaster Graham Norton. Graham, 62, has served as the BBC's Grand Final commentator since 2009, replacing Sir Terry Wogan. Meanwhile, one in ten Brits admitted they tune hoping that UK will triumph over France. Today, 19:10 By Conor O'Brien UK's history in the Eurovision Song Contest Having first entered the Eurovision in 1957, the UK has entered annually ever since 1959. As one of the "Big Five", the United Kingdom automatically has a place in the Final. Some notable past UK acts include: Sandie Shaw (1967) - winner Cliff Richard (1968, 1973) Lulu (1969) - winner Olivia Newton-John (1974) Brotherhood of Man (1976) - winner Bucks Fizz (1981) - winner Samantha Womack (nee Janus, 1991) Michael Ball (1992) Katrina and the Waves (1997) - winner Jade Ewen (2009) Blue (2011) Englebert Humpledinck (2012) Bonnie Tyler (2013) James Newman (2021) Sam Ryder (2022) Mae Muller (2023) Olly Alexander (2024) Today, 19:00 By Conor O'Brien Could the UK's chances of winning be in jeopardy? New data collected by Spin Genie suggests the UK are almost twice as likely to finish last in this year's Eurovision than first. It has been 28 years since the United Kingdom last won - with Katrina and the Waves claiming victory in 1997. The supercomputer data gives the UK just a 0.7% chance of victory in the final. In turn, the findings say the UK has almost double the chance of finishing last- at 1.3% Sweden are projected as runaway favourites with a 43.33% chance of victory, followed by Austria on 20.16%. Elsewhere, we previously broke down the best betting mobile apps in the UK in May 2025. Today, 18:30 By Conor O'Brien Eurovision legend defends "smutty" contest Former winner Cheryl Baker, who took home the gong in 1981 with Bucks Fizz, addressed the contest's "smutty" side. In an exclusive interview with The Sun on behalf of Heart Bingo, she said: "There was the one bloke last year that I thought, 'oh that's a bit going too far because he had one b*****k hanging out, didn't he?' That was a bit unnecessary. "Yeah, it is a bit smutty but life's a bit smutty now isn't it? Everything a bit more extreme. "It's so funny to think that those rip off skirts that Bucks Fizz used was such a jaw-dropping moment and it's nothing compared to what they rip off now. "It's part of the Eurovision fun isn't it? It's always going to be that colourful, that extreme, that fabulous and joyous, it's such a joyous thing, and it's once a year, it's fantastic." Today, 18:00 By Conor O'Brien Remember Monday's result "revealed" - hours before final Remember Monday have been dealt a crushing blow with just hours to go before they perform. The pop group are representing the UK in tonight's Eurovision final - and hope to become the sixth UK act to win. However, the bookies now make them 66/1 to cause an upset tonight, meaning they're more likely to finish in last place (3/1) than first, while 12/1 says they score 'nul points'. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: " Remember Monday need nothing short of a miracle to cause an upset in Switzerland tonight, if the latest odds are anything to go by." The bookies now make them 66/1 to cause an upset tonight, meaning they're more likely to finish in last place (3/1) than first, while 12/1 says they score 'nul points'. They will be up against the noted contenders Sweden, who are represented by Swedish-speaking Finnish trio Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu, a comedic song about Nordic sauna culture, and who will break Eurovision records if they win. Today, 17:30 By Conor O'Brien What are fans saying about Remember Monday online? Remember Monday will be representing the UK in tonight's Grand Final - but what have fans been saying online? One wrote on X: "I've listened to your song since day one! You were amazing, so much fun to watch! "Can't wait to see you again tonight! Good luck, girls! Remember Monday, Win on Saturday." Another shared: "Remember Monday could WIN THIS WHOLE THING. "INCREDIBLE. Perfection in the arena!" A third penned: "I would love for Remember Monday to win so that mega Eurovision fan Charlotte can have her dream come true!" Today, 17:00 By Conor O'Brien Ultimate Eurovision Rich List Some of the contest's most iconic stars have earned eye-watering fortunes. On top of the rich list is Celine Dion, who shot to international stardom when she represented Sweden at the 1988 Eurovision contest. Forbes has estimated her net worth at £412.8 million. Meanwhile, Scottish singer Lulu represented the UK in 1969 with her hit song Boom Bang-A-Bang. Aged just 20, she brought home the Eurovision trophy alongside Spain, France and The Netherlands in a controversial win. Lulu now stands on a fortune of a staggering £23.7 million. Today, 16:31 By Conor O'Brien Past Eurovision winners A new act will cement their place in Eurovision history tonight, but who has done so previously? Some past winners include last year's winner Nemo, who represented Switzerland. Meanwhile, the UK have won five times over the years - including Bucks Fizz, who won in 1981 with "Making Your Mind Up". Today, 16:00 By Aiya Zhussupova Former UK Eurovision star slams the contest Mae Muller was the UK's 2023 Eurovision entry and her song I Wrote A Song, bagged her a Top Ten single. In a social media rant, the singer claimed she was 'fed to the lions' during their performance which led to a humiliating defeat. Mae penned: 'Sorry but they put me up there to sing a song which is meant to be sung with heavy auto tune (just the vibe of the song) with no proper background vocals, and i was nervous as hell which didn't help but like they fed me to the LIONSSSS omfg.' After performing last and closing off the show, her performance scored just 24 points once the jury and public votes were tallied together. This meant that Mae placed second to last with only Germany 's Lord of the Lost scoring less.
