This year's Eurovision Song Contest saw Austria's JJ win with "Wasted Love," pulling ahead of Israel in an intense finale, while the UK struggled to connect with voters.
**JJ Triumphs at Eurovision 2025 as Austria Claims the Crown**
**JJ Triumphs at Eurovision 2025 as Austria Claims the Crown**
A dramatic last-minute victory for Austria's JJ pushes the UK to a disappointing 19th place.
Austrian counter-tenor JJ emerged victorious at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland, with a thrilling last-minute surge that dethroned Israel from the frontrunner position. The 24-year-old singer, known for his role at the Vienna State Opera, captivated audiences with his electro-ballad "Wasted Love," centered around themes of unrequited affection. After accepting the prestigious glass microphone trophy, JJ expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love."
JJ garnered an impressive 436 points, leaving Israel's Yuval Raphael in second place with 357 points, closely followed by Estonia's Tommy Cash at 356 points. Meanwhile, the UK's entry, Remember Monday, managed to secure only 88 points, placing 19th for the second consecutive year, and, disappointingly, receiving no votes from the public.
The atmosphere surrounding the event was charged, with protests concerning Israel's participation due to ongoing military conflicts, leading to brief disruptions during the performance. Despite this, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks, delivered a heartfelt performance of her song "New Day Will Rise," though she was reportedly shaken by the protest incident.
The evening was marked by a mix of vibrant performances, including poignant tributes and tongue-in-cheek humor. Songs addressed various themes, from economic migration to heartwarming childhood memories, while some performances delivered pure spectacle, with Finland's Erika Vikman taking flight on a giant microphone in a celebration of sexual liberation.
As the competition unfolded, the voting proved unpredictable, with thirteen of the finalists receiving maximum points from at least one jury, adding to the tension. Israel's performance dramatically surged in the public vote, but Austria's late tally sealed the contest. It was a bittersweet night for Switzerland, whose entry ranked second among the jury before plummeting to 10th after the public vote yielded zero points.
Céline Dion's anticipated presence remained unfulfilled, with the Canadian singer who previously won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 sending good luck wishes instead. The sentiments of fans echoed throughout the event, which, despite its controversies, celebrated the dramatic and diverse performances that Eurovision is known for.
