Austria has been celebrating the first ESC victory with JJ and Wasted Love since 1967!

Austria has been celebrating the first ESC victory with JJ and Wasted Love since 1967!

Basel, Schweiz - On May 18, 2025, the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, was held. The Austrian participant JJ ​​prevailed with his unique Popera number "Wasted Love" and thus secured victory. It has been the first win for Austria since 1967 when Udo Jürgens conquered the hearts of the audience with "Merci Cherie".

JJ, who is only 24 years old, won the competition after his song had to compete against 25 other contributions in an exciting final. In his acceptance speech, JJ appealed to the audience and demanded “more love”, which underlined the positive result of his appearance. This victory brings Austria the third title at the Eurovision Song Contest, after Udo Jürgens (1965) and Conchita Wurst (2014) were able to triumph for the country. The ORF presented the historic event under the moderation of Andi Knoll, who made several amusing comments during the show, which ensured joy among the spectators.

the show and its highlights

The Grand Final took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and, in addition to JJ, also presented numerous exciting performances by other countries. Israel took second place, followed by Estonia in third place. JJ and his team - consisting of Teodora Spiric and Thomas Turner, who wrote the song together - brought fresh elements to the show by combining operatic singing performances with modern beats. This ensured a delimitation to the last year's winner "The Code" by Nemo, which went more in the club music direction.

In just over two minutes, Andi Knoll ensured that both the tension and the joy of the participants came into their own. His word-looking interludes, such as the comment on Basel's championship and the mention of "Pope Music", added a humorous note. "Maybe we'll hear Pope music," he joked with reference to a possible artistic participation of the Vatican.

A look at the Austrian ESC history

Austria started for the first time in 1957 at the Eurovision Song Contest, with Bob Martin with his contribution "Where, little pony?" last place. In the following years, the participants often moved in the midfields. Only with Udo Jürgens, who in 1964 with "Why only, why?" Sixth place and first place in 1966, the country succeeded in a significant success. From 1967 to 2014, however, it was waiting for another victory that Conchita Wurst finally won.

The upcoming Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Austria in 2026, which is already looking forward to anticipation. JJ's victory shows that after decades of mediocrity there is a spirit of optimism. "Wasted Love" could be the beginning of a new era for the Austrian contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest.

For more information about Austria's existence at the ESC, click here . For a detailed analysis of the show and the artist you can also read This page .