Austria Claims Eurovision 2025 Title in Thrilling Finale

In a breathtaking finish to Eurovision 2025, JJ from Austria clinched victory over Israel, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the final votes were revealed.

 

Austrian counter-tenor JJ captured the hearts of audiences with his emotional electro-ballad "Wasted Love," emerging as the unexpected winner of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. The 24-year-old performer, known for his role at the Vienna State Opera, garnered 436 points, outpacing Israel's Yuval Raphael, who secured second place with 357 points, and Estonia’s Tommy Cash in third with 356 points.

During his acceptance speech, JJ expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of love, stating, "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love." This marked Austria's third Eurovision victory, following historic wins by Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014.

The UK's entry, Listen Monday, faced another disappointing night, landing in 19th place with just 88 points, and suffering a second consecutive year with zero points from the public vote.

The contest was marred by protests surrounding Israel's participation, with incidents of attempted disruption during performances. Despite this, Raphael delivered an impactful ballad reflecting on her experiences as a survivor of the recent Hamas attacks, although the event's atmosphere was tense due to ongoing geopolitical issues.

Eurovision 2025 also showcased a variety of dazzling performances, from comedic and quirky entries to heartfelt tributes addressing complex themes such as migration and loss. Performers like Finland's Erika Vikman captivated audiences with dynamic shows, while French singer Louane moved many with her poignant ballad dedicated to her mother.

Ultimately, JJ's performance, which emotionally resonated with the audience through its powerful visual storytelling, stood out among the extravagant fleeting camp that identifies the Eurovision spirit. As viewers flooded social media with reactions, the annual spectacle proved to be as unpredictable and thrilling as always, leaving fans excited for next year’s contest.