Josh Weiner
Austria’s JJ, born Johannes Pietsch, won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with his emotive pop-opera ballad “Wasted Love.” The song earned a total of 436 points, receiving 258 from the professional juries and 178 from the public televote, marking Austria’s third Eurovision win after 1966 and 2014.
Who is JJ?
Born on April 29, 2001, in Vienna, JJ is a classically trained countertenor of Austrian and Filipino descent. He spent his formative years in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. JJ honed his vocal skills at the Vienna State Opera’s opera school and is currently pursuing classical music studies at the Music and Art Private University of Vienna (MUK). Fluent in German, English, French, and Tagalog, JJ identifies as queer and has openly expressed pride in being the first Eurovision winner with Filipino heritage.
Before his Eurovision triumph, JJ gained recognition as a finalist on Austria’s talent show “Starmania” in 2021 and also participated in “The Voice UK.”
About “Wasted Love”
Co-written by JJ, Teodora Špirić (Austria’s 2023 Eurovision representative), and Thomas Thurner, “Wasted Love” is a poignant ballad that delves into the anguish of unrequited love. The song features a fusion of operatic vocals and techno elements, with lyrics like “I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water,” symbolizing the depth of emotion and the pain of emotional abandonment.
The performance was artistically directed by Spaniard Sergio Jaén and choreographed by Borja Rueda, presenting a monochromatic, maritime-themed stage that visually encapsulated the song’s emotional depth.
Cultural Impact
JJ’s victory is celebrated not only for its musical excellence but also for its cultural significance. His success as an openly queer artist with Filipino roots adds to the growing diversity and representation in Eurovision’s history. His unique blend of classical and contemporary styles has resonated with audiences across Europe, marking him as a standout figure in the 2025 contest.
