Austria has won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest! Newcomer JJ from Vienna, Austria took the crowd by storm and set the stage ablaze with his stunning single “Wasted Love”. The event was held in Switzerland, the host country that first introduced the competition back in 1956. Her victory is only Austria’s third win in Eurovision history. Udo Jürgens won the title in 1965, and Conchita Wurst’s victory was in 2014.
She’s a seasoned actress, dancer, singer whose vocal range stretches from counter tenor to soprano. They have fascinated the public for their extraordinary vocal talents and for their firm foundation in the studies of classical music. Formerly known as Johannes Pietsch, JJ made their talents known on The Voice UK, where they gained major notoriety initially. JJ, Teodora Spiric, and Thomas Turner collaboratively created the winning entry “Wasted Love.” Their joint artistic vision really resonated with audiences everywhere, running away with the gold as Europe’s favorite.
The thirty-seven countries competing in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, twenty-six in the grand final. This left Israel in second place thanks to a formidable performance in the public vote, and Estonia in third. Crown jewels and hometown heroes led by pre-contest favorites from Sweden came in fourth. The UK entry, Remember Monday’s “What The Hell Just Happened?,” was 19th. It went on to not receive a single point from the popular vote. This outcome contrasts sharply with Sam Ryder’s “Space Man,” which finished second in 2022—the UK’s highest placing since 2012.
The contest, held in Switzerland this year following Nemo’s victory in Malmö last year with “The Code,” showcased a wide array of performances. Among them was Finnish artist Erika Vikman, who had the audience on their feet with her bouncy tune “Ich Komme.” The event brought together diverse musical styles and cultures, reaffirming Eurovision’s reputation as a celebration of global unity through music.
While the acts were certainly musical, the contest was not without its controversies. On Wednesday evening, several hundred demonstrators filled the streets of downtown Basel. Most of them proudly hung Palestinian flags off their balconies to express their views amid the celebrations. Although the competition was a celebration of artistic expression, it underscored socio-political issues that remain at the front of many attendees and participants’ minds.
After this year’s win, Austria is set to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. This would make Vienna the third different city to host the competition twice. It is the ideal setting for the next chapter of this cherished event. The anticipation surrounding Austria’s role as host adds to the excitement generated by JJ’s victory and the country’s return to prominence within the Eurovision community.