Austria has clinched its third victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, with Vienna-born artist JJ delivering a powerful performance of Wasted Love at the grand final held in Basel, Switzerland. Blending operatic vocals with a modern club anthem finish, the song captured the imagination of both juries and audiences across Europe. JJ’s win follows in the footsteps of Udo Jürgens (1965) and Conchita Wurst (2014), securing Austria’s place among the Eurovision greats.
JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, emotionally thanked Europe after receiving the trophy, saying, “Thank you, Europe, I love you all.” His dramatic performance, vocal range from countertenor to soprano, and classical music training contributed to the song’s standout impact on the night. He co-wrote Wasted Love with Teodora Špirić and Thomas Turner, making the win a collaborative triumph as well.
Switzerland Hosts, Europe Celebrates
Basel was the host city for this year’s competition, marking a symbolic return to Switzerland, the birthplace of the contest in 1956. The event was hosted there after Swiss singer Nemo won the 2024 edition in Malmö, Sweden, with The Code. Nemo returned to the stage this year with two performances during the final, while also passing on the winner’s trophy to JJ.
The finale was filled with familiar faces and memorable moments, including appearances by three-time host Petra Mede and a video message from Céline Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988. Two fan-favorite past contestants, Baby Lasagna and Käärijä, delivered a theatrical wrestling-style performance, adding to the show’s entertainment value as the votes were being counted.
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Tight Competition: Israel and Estonia Follow Close Behind
While Austria emerged victorious, the competition was fierce. Israel secured second place following a surge in the public vote that briefly placed their entrant, Yuval Raphael, at the top. However, the night was not without controversy—organizers reported that a crew member was hit with paint in an apparent attempt to disrupt Raphael’s performance when two individuals attempted to storm the stage.
Estonia claimed the third spot with a well-received performance, while Sweden, considered the pre-contest favorite, finished in fourth place—an outcome that surprised many fans and analysts. Despite not winning, all top four nations contributed to a vibrant and diverse musical showcase, reinforcing Eurovision’s spirit of unity through art.
UK Struggles Continue
In contrast to Austria’s triumph, the United Kingdom’s struggles at Eurovision persisted. The UK’s entry this year, the girl group Remember Monday, performed What The Hell Just Happened?—a party-themed track about the chaotic aftermath of a wild night. Despite the catchy concept and automatic qualification to the final as a major contributor to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the song failed to connect with voters.
Remember Monday finished 19th overall and received zero points from the public—marking the second consecutive year the UK has received no public votes in the final. The group’s fate echoed the country’s broader Eurovision difficulties, with Sam Ryder’s 2022 second-place finish as the only bright spot since 2012.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepped in to announce the UK’s jury votes this year, replacing Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa, who withdrew due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
A Global Showcase of Talent
This year’s Eurovision featured 37 countries, each bringing their unique sounds and stories to one of the world’s most-watched music events. From soaring ballads and folk fusions to electronic beats and theatrical displays, the contest once again highlighted the cultural diversity and creative depth of Europe—and beyond.
Notably, the competition has continued to evolve, with increased focus on stage production, digital integration, and fan engagement. The inclusion of celebrity appearances, playful interludes, and Austria nostalgic callbacks underscored the show’s expanding role not just as a contest, but as a global entertainment phenomenon.
Looking Ahead to Vienna 2026
With JJ’s win, Austria now assumes the responsibility of hosting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Vienna, which previously staged the event in 1967 and 2015, is expected to reprise its role as host city. Fans are already anticipating how Austria will celebrate its musical victory on the global stage Austria next year.
As the glitter settles from Basel, one thing is clear: Eurovision 2025 has left a lasting impression. JJ’s Wasted Love not only brought Austria its third win, but also Austria reminded audiences why Eurovision continues to be one of the most beloved and dynamic showcases of international music.
