Austria celebrates: JJ sensationally wins the ESC 2025 in Basel!

Austria celebrates: JJ sensationally wins the ESC 2025 in Basel!

Basel, Schweiz - Austria celebrated a sensational victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. The 24-year-old countertenor JJ impressed the spectators with his Popera ballad "Wasted Love", who led him to the third victory for Austria in the history of the competition. The contest took place on May 17, 2025, and JJ received a total of 436 out of 888 possible points, which secured first place. The achievements of the 25 other participants could not give him the water, including the favorites from Sweden, who were only 4th place.

This year Israel surprised with Yuval Raphael, who took second place with 357 points. Estonia, represented by Tommy Cash with "Espresso Macchiato", reached third place. Interestingly, the Vienna Duo Abor & Tynna was only able to reach 15th place for Germany, which was disappointing for German fans. JJ, who wrote the song together with Teodora Spiric and Thomas Turner, prevailed against strong competition, significantly deviating from the previous year's winner Nemo, whose contribution was more than a club hit than an opera ballad.

reactions to victory

After the surprising victory, JJ expressed the desire for "more love" in the world in his acceptance speech. ORF program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz was extremely pleased with the success and emphasized the importance of victory for Austria. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor also congratulated JJ via social media on his historical triumph.

The moderation of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel took over Michelle Hunziker, Sandra Studer and Hazel Brugger. The contest was described as well organized and atmospheric, which further increased the joy of victory. In the previous year, however, the competition was faced with scandals and protests that clouded the overall impression.

historical context

With this victory, Austria entered the ranks of European music history after it had previously won in 1966 and 2014. The total of 57 participated since the first competition in 1957 show the changeable fate of the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. While earlier successes, such as Udo Jürgens' "Merci, Chérie" in 1966 or Conchita Wurst’s "Rise Like a Phoenix" 2014, there were also low points, like the last place with 0 points 2015.

Austria is now the only country that records the longest period between two wins, at 48 years between the second and third triumph. The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Austria next year and remains an event that fans and artists can look forward to.

Basel presented itself as a festive backdrop for this memorable evening. The Eurovision Song Contest remains a symbol of cultural diversity and artistic exchange in Europe.