Austria triumphs at Eurovision 2025 with a bold operatic fusion

Austria's JJ has claimed victory at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing his operatic prowess with the captivating song "Wasted Love." The event, held in the Swiss city of Basel, marked a significant milestone as Austria celebrated its first win since Conchita Wurst's iconic performance in 2014.

After a suspenseful vote reveal that extended into the early hours, Austria emerged victorious with a total of 436 points, surpassing Israel, which garnered 357 points, and Estonia, which secured 356 points. The 24-year-old countertenor, known as Johannes Pietsch, expressed his gratitude to Europe, stating, "Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true." He emphasized the unifying power of love, declaring, "Let's spread more love."

"Wasted Love" artfully blends operatic elements with techno beats, exploring the theme of unrequited love. JJ's performance, delivered in a striking black-and-white format, captivated audiences across the continent, demonstrating his ability to hit soaring high notes while maintaining a modern flair.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker lauded JJ’s achievement, remarking, "What a fantastic success! My warmest congratulations on your victory. JJ is making Austrian music history." The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also celebrated the win, highlighting the pride felt by the Filipino community in Europe.

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest took place at Basel's St. Jakobshalle, attracting an enthusiastic audience of 6,500, with an estimated 160 million viewers tuning in worldwide. This year's competition featured 26 countries, with 11 eliminated in the semifinals.

Speculation surrounded the potential appearance of Celine Dion, who began her career by winning Eurovision in 1988. However, she ultimately did not participate, prompting organizers to extend their well wishes for her health.

Despite being the bookmakers' favorite, Sweden's comedy trio KAJ finished fourth with their entry "Bara Bada Bastu." The top ten was rounded out by Albania, Ukraine, and Switzerland, while Estonia's Tommy Cash claimed third place with his playful "Espresso Macchiato."

Israel's participation in Eurovision 2025 was not without controversy, as protests erupted in Basel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During Israel's performance, loud whistles interrupted, and two individuals attempted to breach the stage. They were removed by security and handed over to police. Concurrently, pro-Palestinian demonstrations saw clashes with riot police, highlighting the tense backdrop surrounding the event.

The musical diversity showcased at Eurovision included a range of genres, from Portuguese ballads to Lithuanian rock. Notable performances included Finland's Erika Vikman, who dazzled with her energetic "Ich Komme," and Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, who made a historic return after 30 years.

As the curtain falls on this year's competition, Austria's victory not only celebrates musical excellence but also reinforces the enduring spirit of unity and expression that Eurovision embodies.