Austria has taken home the crown at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. JJ, an Austrian-Filipino singer, won over the crowd and viewers with his operatic pop ballad, “Wasted Love.” The contest unfolded in Basel, Switzerland, bringing together voices and stories from across the continent.
JJ’s performance was more than just singing. It was a moving display, staged like a shipwreck — fitting for a song about lost and unreturned love. This marks Austria’s third Eurovision victory, the last one being Conchita Wurst’s memorable win in 2014. You can find more about Conchita’s story here.
Coming in second was Israel’s Yuval Raphael. Her song, “New Day Will Rise,” carried extra weight, as she is a survivor of the Hamas attacks last year. The contest’s backdrop was heavy with real-world struggles, even as the music sought to lift spirits. Estonia took third place, while San Marino found itself at the bottom of the scoreboard.
Before the final, JJ shared his feelings openly. He said he felt humbled that people connected with his music and hoped to keep making songs like this. His inspiration came from a painful place — his own experience with unreciprocated love. He confessed he might break down and call his family if he won.
Eurovision is more than a song contest. It’s a major event in the LGBTQ+ calendar, known for its diverse acts — from Latvian folk-pop to Ukrainian glam rock. Yet, politics quietly lingers. Russia and Belarus were banned because of the war in Ukraine. And Israel’s presence, while celebrated by some, sparked controversy among others.
During Raphael’s performance, Palestinian flags appeared in the crowd — a first, allowed by the European Broadcasting Union. The night wasn’t without drama: two people tried to rush the stage, reminding us that this contest exists in a complicated world.
In the end, Eurovision 2025 was a mix of music, emotion, and the hard realities outside the arena. It showed us how art can shine even when the world feels dark, and how songs carry stories that go far beyond the notes.
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