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Arabian Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
Austria's JJ Captivates Eurovision with Operatic-Pop Fusion
Austria has secured its third Eurovision Song Contest victory, with 24-year-old countertenor JJ clinching the title in Basel, Switzerland, through his emotive performance of 'Wasted Love.' This win marks Austria's first since 2014, following Conchita Wurst's triumph. JJ, born Johannes Pietsch, delivered a compelling blend of operatic vocals and contemporary techno elements, captivating both jury and public votes. His performance resonated deeply, earning Austria a combined score of 436 points, narrowly surpassing Israel's Yuval Raphael, who finished second. The song 'Wasted Love,' co-written by JJ alongside Teodora 'Teya' Špirić and Thomas Thurner, delves into themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability. JJ's unique countertenor range, honed through his performances at the Vienna State Opera and studies at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, brought a distinctive depth to the piece. The Eurovision final was not without controversy. Protests erupted over Israel's participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, culminating in two pro-Palestinian activists attempting to disrupt Raphael's performance. Security swiftly intervened, and the event proceeded without further incident. JJ's victory has been celebrated across Austria, with President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stöcker praising his achievement. Cities such as Innsbruck and Wels have expressed interest in hosting the next Eurovision contest. JJ, who is of Filipino heritage, has also been lauded by the Filipino community, marking a significant moment of representation on the international stage. The United Kingdom's entry, the girl group Remember Monday, placed 19th despite a strong jury score. Their performance faced an unexpected setback when member Holly-Anne Hull discovered her wedding ring missing post-performance, later recovered after a backstage mix-up. See also Lyft Secures European Foothold with Strategic FreeNow Purchase
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Austria welcomes JJ back home with cheers, hugs and roses after he wins the Eurovision Song Contest
VIENNA (AP) — Austrian fans enthusiastically welcomed classically trained singer JJ back home at Vienna airport on Sunday after he won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with 'Wasted Love.' As JJ walked through the gate, hundreds of fans cheered, some played his song and others surrounded the new star, hugging him and asking for autographs. The 24-year-old countertenor, whose winning song combines operatic, multi-octave vocals with a techno twist, and who also sings at the Vienna State Opera, held up his trophy in one hand and a big bouquet of roses in the other. He smiled, wiped away tears and told the crowd 'that victory is for you.' JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was Austria's third Eurovision winner, after bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jürgens in 1966. 'This is beyond my wildest dreams. It's crazy,' said the singer when being handed the microphone-shaped glass Eurovision trophy after his win in the Swiss city of Basel on Saturday night. On Sunday night, JJ told reporters in Vienna that 'I don't think you'll realize that you did it at all until you're on your deathbed.' 'All of Austria is happy' Austria's president, Alexander van der Bellen, celebrated JJ in a video posted on X. 'What a success! What a voice! What a show!' he exclaimed. 'All of Austria is happy.' Chancellor Christian Stoecker wrote on X: 'What a great success — my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!' The Vienna State Opera also expressed joy over the win. 'From the Magic Flute to winning the Song Contest is somehow a story that can only take place in Austria,' opera director Bogdan Roscic told the Austrian press agency APA. Several Austrian cities were quick to show their interest in hosting next year's contest. Innsbruck Mayor Johannes Anzengruber told APA that 'not everything has to take place in Vienna. ... Austria is bigger than that,' and the towns of Oberwart in Burgenland and Wels in Upper Austria also threw their hats into the ring. JJ himself said he hoped that Vienna would get the next ESC which he would love to host together with his mentor, Conchita Wurst. A nail-biting final Israeli singer Yuval Raphael came second at an exuberant celebration of music and unity that was shadowed by the Gaza war and rattled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ won after a nail-biting final that saw Raphael scoop up a massive public vote from her many fans for her anthemic 'New Day Will Rise.' But she also faced protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel to be kicked out of the contest over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza . At a post-victory press conference, JJ said the message of his song about unrequited romance was that 'love is the strongest force on planet Earth, and love persevered. 'Let's spread love, guys,' said JJ, who added that he was honored to be the first Eurovision champion with Filipino heritage, as well as a proudly queer winner. Eclectic and sometimes baffling The world's largest live music event, which has been uniting and dividing Europeans since 1956, reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas. 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, picked the winner. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with his jokey mock-Italian dance song 'Espresso Macchiato.' Swedish entry KAJ , which had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. The show was a celebration of Europe's eclectic, and sometimes baffling, musical tastes. The war in Gaza clouded the contest This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Raphael — a survivor of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on a music festival in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza war — was met by a mix of cheers and boos as she sang. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said a man and woman were stopped as they tried to climb over a barrier to the stage at the end of her song. It said a crew member was hit by paint thrown by the pair. Raphael's team said she was left 'shaken and upset.' The Oct. 7 cross-border attacks by Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, and roughly 250 were taken hostage into Gaza. More than 52,800 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to the territory's health ministry. 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. —— Grieshaber reported from Berlin. Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in Basel, Switzerland contributed to this report.
Euronews
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
In pictures: Austria welcomes JJ back home after Eurovision win
As JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, walked through the gate, hundreds of fans on Sunday cheered. Some played his song, others hugged him. The 24-year-old countertenor, whose winning song combines operatic, multi-octave vocals with a techno twist, and who also sings at the Vienna State Opera, held up his trophy in one hand and a big bouquet of roses in the other. He smiled, wiped away tears and told the crowd 'that victory is for you.' JJ is Austria's third Eurovision winner, after Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jürgens in 1966. Austria's president, Alexander van der Bellen, celebrated JJ in a video posted on X. 'What a success! What a voice! What a show!' he exclaimed. 'All of Austria is happy.' Chancellor Christian Stoecker wrote on X: 'What a great success — my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!' The Vienna State Opera also expressed joy over the win. 'From the Magic Flute to winning the Song Contest is somehow a story that can only take place in Austria,' opera director Bogdan Roscic told the Austrian press agency APA. Several Austrian cities were quick to show their interest in hosting next year's contest. Innsbruck Mayor Johannes Anzengruber told APA that 'not everything has to take place in Vienna... Austria is bigger than that,' and the towns of Oberwart in Burgenland and Wels in Upper Austria also threw their hats into the ring. JJ himself said he hoped that Vienna would get the next ESC which he would love to host together with his mentor, Conchita Wurst.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Austrian president issues nine-word statement after JJ's huge Eurovision win
JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was Austria's third Eurovision winner, after bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jürgens in 1966 Austria's JJ received a hero's welcome at Vienna airport this Sunday, after taking the title at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with his chart-topping hit Wasted Love. The scene was one of celebration as hundreds of fans erupted into cheers as JJ made his grand entrance through the arrivals gate. Devotees of the 24-year-old countertenor, who is also a performer at the Vienna State Opera, were seen blasting his winning track, eager to embrace him and grab his autograph. Victorious and visibly moved, JJ, whose offstage name is Johannes Pietsch, beamed as he waved his trophy alongside a sizeable bunch of roses, declaring to all present that "that victory is for you." With three Eurovision wins under its belt, Austria celebrates JJ's triumph, joining ranks with past victors including the iconic Conchita Wurst and Udo Jürgens. Overwhelmed with emotion, JJ reflected on his incredible achievement post-victory in Basel, acknowledging the surreal nature of his success, stating, "This is beyond my wildest dreams. It's crazy,". Top officials didn't hesitate to share their pride; President Alexander van der Bellen heralded JJ's spectacular win online, proclaiming, "What a success! What a voice! What a show!" The entire nation basked in the glory, according to the president. Adding to the avalanche of praise, Chancellor Christian Stoecker took to social media, exclaiming, "What a great success - my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!". The Vienna State Opera is over the moon with the recent win. Bogdan Roscic, the opera director, told APA: "From the Magic Flute to winning the Song Contest is somehow a story that can only take place in Austria,". Cities across Austria didn't waste any time showing their eagerness to host next year's contest. Innsbruck's Mayor Johannes Anzengruber suggested to APA that "not everything has to take place in Vienna. ... Austria is bigger than that," while Oberwart in Burgenland and Wels in Upper Austria also expressed their desire to host the event. JJ himself, fresh from his Saturday night victory, expressed his hope that Vienna would be chosen for the next ESC, an event he'd relish hosting alongside his mentor, Conchita Wurst. Controversial Israeli singer Yuval Raphael clinched second place, with the entrant's participation being hit with criticism over the country's bombardment of Palestine, which had resulted in over 52,000 deaths. In the glow of triumph at a press conference, JJ shared that the essence of his song about unrequited love is that "love is the strongest force on planet Earth, and love persevered. "Let's spread love, guys," declared JJ, expressing his pride at being the first Eurovision champion of Filipino heritage and a proudly queer winner.
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Austria triumphs at Eurovision Song Contest while Israel's Nova Festival survivor competitor comes second
BASEL, Switzerland — Classically trained Austrian singer JJ won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland on Saturday with 'Wasted Love,' a song that combines operatic, multi-octave vocals with a techno twist. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael came second at an exuberant celebration of music and unity that was shadowed by the Gaza war and rattled by discord over Israel's participation. JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was Austria's third Eurovision winner, and the first since bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst in 2014. The 24-year-old countertenor, who sings at the Vienna State Opera, has called Wurst a mentor. 4 Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest JJ from Austria performs the winning song 'Wasted Love' during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025. AP 'This is beyond my wildest dreams. It's crazy,' said the singer after being handed the microphone-shaped glass Eurovision trophy. JJ won after a nail-biting final that saw Raphael scoop up a massive public vote from her many fans for her anthemic 'New Day Will Rise.' But she also faced protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for Israel to be kicked out of the contest over its conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza. At a post-victory press conference, JJ said the message of his song about unrequited romance was that 'love is the strongest force on planet Earth, and love persevered. 'Let's spread love, guys,' said JJ, who added that he was honored to be the first Eurovision champion with Filipino heritage, as well as a proudly queer winner. He said his message was 'acceptance and equality for everyone.' Political leaders in Austria, which will host the contest next year, congratulated JJ on his win. 'What a great success – my warmest congratulations on winning #ESC2025! JJ is writing Austrian music history today!' Chancellor Christian Stocker posted on X. 4 Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest JJ from Austria holds up the trophy onstage, he won with the song 'Wasted Love' during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025. AP Eclectic and sometimes baffling The world's largest live music event, which has been uniting and dividing Europeans since 1956, reached its glitter-drenched conclusion with a grand final in Basel that offered pounding electropop, quirky rock and outrageous divas. 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, picked the winner. Estonia's Tommy Cash came third with his jokey mock-Italian dance song 'Espresso Macchiato.' Swedish entry KAJ, who had been favorite to win with jaunty sauna ode 'Bara Bada Bastu,' came fourth. Several highly praised singers who had been tipped to win fell short, including French chanteuse Louane and soulful Dutch singer Claude. The show was 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, Latvia's six-woman Tautumeitas offered gorgeous, intertwined harmonies and leather-clad Finn Erika Vikman belted out the innuendo-filled electro-pop song 'Ich Komme.' There were divas aplenty, including Spain's Melody, Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, participating in Eurovision for a second time after a 30-year gap,, and Malta's outrageous Miriana Conte, who performed the saucy 'Serving' 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, and the days are gone when the key to winning was 'a catchy, innocuous pop song, usually in English.' 'An entry needs to be memorable and it needs to be authentic in order to succeed these days,' he said. 4 JJ from Austria who performed the song 'Wasted Love' reacts to voting during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025. AP The war in Gaza clouded the contest This year's contest was roiled for a second year by disputes over Israel's participation. Raphael — a survivor of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on a music festival in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza war — was met by a mix of cheers and boos as she sang. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said a man and woman were stopped as they tried to climb over a barrier to the stage at the end of her song. It said a crew member was hit by paint thrown by the pair. Raphael's team said she was left 'shaken and upset.' Dozens of former Eurovision competitors, including last year's winner Nemo of Switzerland, have called for Israel to be excluded, and several of the broadcasters that fund Eurovision sought a review of the country's participation. The Oct. 7 cross-border attacks by Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, and roughly 250 were taken hostage into Gaza. More than 52,800 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's retaliatory offensive, according to the territory's health ministry. 4 Yuval Raphael representing Israel performs on stage during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at St. Jakobshalle on May 17, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Getty Images 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 thousands marched in the streets and tensions spilled over backstage, leading to the expulsion of Dutch contestant Joost Klein. 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. 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.' He said all 37 national delegations 'have behaved impeccably.'
