Muk: How JJ Austria led to victory at ESC!

Muk: How JJ Austria led to victory at ESC!

Wien, Österreich - The music and art of private university of the city of Vienna (MUK) is increasingly perceived as a cadre for successful musicians from the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). MUK has been an important player in musical training for many years and has produced five alumni so far who have represented Austria in the prestigious competition. Muk Rector Andreas Mailath-Pokorny emphasizes the role of the university as a breeding ground for musical excellence and diversity. "The connection between classic training and pop music is crucial", says Mailath-Pokorny. OTS offers artistic and art education professions.

Among the prominent former students is Marianne Mendt, who appeared in 1971 as the first participant in the MUK with her contribution "Musik". Elisabeth Engstler, who formed the "Mess" duo in 1982 and competed with "Sunday", is one of the well -known names. Nathan Trent and Vincent Bueno represent Austria in 2017 and 2021. Interestingly, Vincent Bueno 2020 should have competed with the song "Alive", but this did not take place due to pandemic. However, JJ, a current student of the Muk.

JJ’s win at the ESC 2023

Johannes Pietsch, better known as JJ, represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Basel with its impressive appearance of the song "Wasted Love". The ESC trophy for Austria earned his outstanding performance, which earned him personal congratulations from Rector Mailath-Pokorny. "JJ is a sign of the cosmopolitanism and cultural radiance of Vienna and Austria," says Mailath-Pokorny, who emphasizes that the MUK JJ wants to continue to support on his artistic path. The artist was born in Vienna in 2001 and grew up in Dubai before he returned to Vienna in 2016. He studies solo singing with chamber singer Linda Watson.

Austria's ESC history

Austria has a long and eventful story at the Eurovision Song Contest. For the first time, the country took part in 1958, with Bob Martin with "where, little pony" not being able to success. Despite unfortunate appearances in the following years, artists such as Udo Jürgens were able to reach several high positions in the 1960s and won "Merci, Chérie" in 1966. In the later decades, however, Austria was often found in the back ranks, with several last places. A remarkable climax was the victory of Conchita Wurst in 2014 with "Rise Like a Phoenix", who brought the nation back to the ESC card. History Austria summarizes that the most successful ESC participants Udo Jürgens, Thomas Forstner and Conchita sausage are.

With JJ’s Triumph, Austria now has the opportunity to align the 70th anniversary of the ESC in 2026, which is of great importance not only for the MUK, but for the entire national music scenes. This development would continue to consolidate the cultural importance of Vienna as the center for artistic challenges and continue the traditional line of successful participants in the Eurovision Song Contest.