Opera Meets Pop—and Wins! JJ of Austria Stuns Eurovision 2025 with “Wasted Love”

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_{The 69th Eurovision Song Contest brought lights, spectacle, and an opera-pop twist as Austria’s classically trained countertenor JJ claimed a stunning victory with his genre-bending anthem, “Wasted Love.” Blending heart-wrenching operatic highs with glossy pop hooks, JJ captured the hearts—and votes—of both juries and viewers across Europe.}

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A Show for the Ages in Basel

_{The Swiss city of Basel played host to this year’s Eurovision final, and it did not disappoint. With 26 eclectic acts hitting the stage—from a soulful Portuguese guitar ballad to a full-blown Latvian choir—the show was a true celebration of Europe’s musical diversity. But it was JJ’s emotional vocal power and commanding stage presence that made “Wasted Love” unforgettable.}

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Close Race, Big Surprises

_{Coming in hot on Austria’s heels was Israel’s Yuval Raphael with his uplifting ballad “New Day Will Rise,” followed by Estonia’s Tommy Cash and his cheeky caffeine-infused bop, “Espresso Macchiato.”}

_{And while fan polls had pinned Sweden’s sauna anthem “Bara Bada Bastu” by KAJ as the one to beat, the upbeat Nordic hit only managed to steam up to fourth place.}

_{Germany’s duo Abor & Tynna and their quirky dance track “Baller” landed mid-table at 15th, despite a lively fan base and a flashy performance.}

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The Eurovision Crowd: Big Numbers, Bigger Energy

_{Eurovision fever took over Basel, with more than 500,000 fans flooding the city during contest week. Around 36,000 spectators packed the soccer stadium across from the arena to watch the spectacle unfold live.}

_{Organizers beamed with pride as Beat Lauchli, Basel’s project leader, summed it up best: “Everyone [is] united by music.”}

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A No-Show That Still Broke Hearts

_{Speculation ran high that Celine Dion—who famously won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988—might make a surprise appearance. Sadly, the Canadian icon was unable to attend due to her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. Despite her absence, her legacy loomed large over the night’s festivities.}

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JJ’s Reign Begins

_{In a contest known for glitter, spectacle, and unpredictability, JJ’s win reminded Europe that raw talent and genre fusion still strike a chord. “Wasted Love” wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment. And with this dramatic victory, Austria once again finds itself at the center of the continent’s musical map.}

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