7 March 2025
Austria Takes Countertenor to New Heights at Eurovision Song Contest 2025
Austria's Eurovision Wins
Austria has won the Eurovision Song Contest twice. The first victory was in 1966 with Udo Jürgens' heartfelt ballad "Merci, Chérie." Nearly 50 years later, Conchita Wurst captivated Europe with "Rise Like a Phoenix" in 2014, delivering a powerful message of acceptance.
What is Eurovision?
Since 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought together musicians from across Europe. Countries submit original songs performed live, and audiences vote for their favorites. With millions of viewers each year, it remains one of the world's most-watched music events.
Eurovision Song Contest 2025: When and Where
This year's contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, in May 2025. The host country is traditionally the previous year's winner, and this year, 37 nations will compete for the title.
Spotlight on Notable Artists
Among this year's participants, Estonia's Tommy Cash stands out as an internationally recognized artist, known for his avant-garde music and style. Representing Germany are Abor & Tynna, two musicians originally from Vienna, Austria, whose song "Baller" blends pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements. Austria's entry is JJ with his song "Wasted Love."
Meet JJ – Austria's Eurovision Hope
Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, was born in Vienna in 2001 and spent part of his childhood in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. As a countertenor, he has a rare voice that reaches soprano heights. He gained recognition through Austria's "Starmania" competition and now performs at the Vienna State Opera. JJ is also studying classical music at the Music and Arts University of Vienna under Kammersängerin Linda Watson, refining his exceptional vocal skills.
The Song: "Wasted Love"
JJ co-wrote "Wasted Love" with singer, songwriter Teya (aka Teodora Spiric) and Thomas Turner. The song blends pop and techno elements with his classical roots, creating a modern and emotional sound. JJ describes the song as capturing the pain of unrequited love: "There is a special kind of heartbreak when you have so much love to give but no place for it to land. It feels like floating on a fragile paper boat at sea, clinging to every glimmer of hope, only to watch it dissolve beneath you. And yet, there is something undeniably beautiful about that naïve devotion. Because, in the end, it is beautiful just be able to love – no matter how wasted."
The Music Video – A Cinematic Journey
Directed by Marek Vesely, the video for "Wasted Love" brings the song's emotions to life through breathtaking visuals. Filming took place in a pine forest near Wiener Neustadt, the Stadttheater Baden, and the I Dive diving school in Vienna, where JJ performed underwater scenes. A studio in Lower Austria recreated a magical setting with a water surface and a snow landscape. One standout scene shows JJ hovering on a theater stage—an artistic nod to his opera background and stage presence.
Looking Ahead
JJ will perform "Wasted Love" live at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel this May. According to the official Eurovision calendar, he will take the stage on May 15. With his extraordinary voice, artistic vision, and deeply personal song, he is set to deliver a performance that is likely to leave a lasting impression.
Image from the making of the music video for "Wasted Love," Austria's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, directed by Marek Vesely. The photo captures Austrian-Filipino countertenor JJ hovering above a stage, a nod to his opera background. Filming took place at various locations in Lower Austria, including the Stadttheater Baden. Photo: © ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer. |
