Austria Becomes The New Winner of Eurovision 2025
Austria has clinched its third Eurovision Song Contest victory, thanks to the soaring “Wasted Love.” Viennese vocalist JJ delivered the performance. Held in Basel, Switzerland. So, he ended the 2025 contest ended on a high note for Austria.
“Wasted Love,” co-written by JJ alongside Teodora Špirić and Thomas Turner, begins as a haunting operatic ballad. Later, it detonates into a pulsing club anthem. This audacious switch-up brought the house down and sealed Austria’s place at the top of the leaderboard. The win marks Austria’s first triumph since Conchita Wurst’s unforgettable 2014 performance. Before them was Udo Jürgens’ victory in 1965.
“Thank you, Europe. I love you all,” a visibly moved JJ declared after accepting the iconic glass microphone trophy. After that, he added a simple but poignant plea: “More love.” JJ—born Johannes Pietsch—is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously competed on The Voice UK. Now, he stands poised to lead Austria into hosting duties for 2026, with Vienna likely to step up as the next host city.
A Contest Steeped in History, Charged With Politics
This year’s contest returned to its birthplace—Switzerland. This is the first time since the inaugural edition in 1956. Basel hosted Switzerland’s win in 2024, when Nemo’s “The Code” took top honors in Malmö. In a full-circle moment, Nemo handed the trophy to JJ on stage.
Yet, beneath the spectacular performances, Eurovision 2025 wasn’t without controversy. Israel’s entry, performed by Yuval Raphael, finished second after dominating the public vote. The evening turned tense when protestors attempted to disrupt Raphael’s performance. Following the confirmation from reports that a crew member was struck with paint during the commotion.
The scene mirrored growing calls for Israel’s exclusion from the competition. Thus, the calls that were amplified by protests in the streets of Basel and backstage disruptions during rehearsals.
A Mixed Bag of Surprises and Showstoppers
Estonia secured a surprise third-place finish. Also, the match with Sweden ended in fourth place. The UK’s Eurovision fortunes continued to flatline, as Remember Monday’s What The Hell Just Happened? The girl group scored zero points from the public vote, repeating last year’s humiliation.
Eurovision veterans and fan favorites returned to the spotlight. Including Käärijä and Baby Lasagna, who staged a tongue-in-cheek wrestling-themed performance. Showcasing a mashup of their previous entries, “Cha Cha Cha” and “Rim Tim Tagi Dim.” A heartfelt video message from Céline Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988, added a nostalgic note.
Thirty-seven nations competed in this year’s edition, with 26 making it to Saturday’s grand final. As ever, Eurovision’s staging was as outrageous as its wardrobe choices. Finland’s Erika Vikman ended her sultry performance of Ich Komme atop a giant gold microphone. Meanwhile, France’s Louane was gradually engulfed in a shimmering sandstorm. Italy’s Lucio Corsi played an oversized piano. Alongside Estonia’s Tommy delivering Espresso Macchiato with “I love Eurovision” scribbled on a post-it slapped to his chest.
Some entries, though, failed to leap from viral to victorious. Australia’s Milkshake Man by Go-Jo failed to qualify from the semi-finals, despite the innuendo-laced lyrics making waves online. Malta’s Miriana Conte was forced to tweak lyrics to sidestep unintended obscenities. It also underperformed despite early fan buzz.
For now, Austria basks in the glow of Eurovision glory once more. JJ’s blend of classical training and contemporary edge tapped into a musical sweet spot that resonated across borders. As the glitter settles, preparations will soon begin for Austria’s turn as host—a chance to welcome the continent to Vienna for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of Eurovision.
If “Wasted Love” is any indication, the contest’s future may well lie in breaking boundaries between genres, identities, and nations.
