Austria’s JJ won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with his emotional pop-opera ballad “Wasted Love.” The song scored a total of 436 points, with 258 from the professional juries and 178 from the public televote. This marks Austria’s third Eurovision victory, following wins in 1966 and 2014.
Who is JJ?
JJ, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, was born on April 29, 2001, in Vienna, Austria, and is of Austrian and Filipino descent. He spent his early childhood in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016.
JJ is a classically trained countertenor who studied at the Vienna State Opera’s opera school and currently attends the Music and Art Private University of Vienna (MUK), focusing on classical music. He is fluent in German, English, French, and Tagalog.
JJ identifies as queer and proudly highlighted his identity and multicultural background during his Eurovision journey, becoming the first Eurovision winner with Filipino heritage.
Before Eurovision, JJ gained public attention as a finalist on Austria’s “Starmania” in 2021 and also appeared on The Voice UK.
About “Wasted Love”
“Wasted Love” is a powerful ballad that explores the theme of unrequited love. JJ co-wrote the song with Teodora Špirić and Thomas Thurner. The track combines operatic vocals with electronic and techno influences, delivering emotional weight and sonic intensity.
One of the standout lyrics—“I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water”—symbolizes the depth of feeling and the experience of emotional rejection. The staging was minimalist and monochromatic, with a maritime theme that visually echoed the song’s metaphor.
Cultural Significance
JJ’s win has been celebrated for both its musical innovation and its cultural resonance. His blend of classical and contemporary styles, along with his visibility as a queer, multicultural artist, has made a significant impact on audiences across Europe and beyond.
JJ has quickly become a standout figure in Eurovision history, praised for his authenticity, artistry, and boundary-pushing performance.
