Austria has once again taken the Eurovision 2025 crown, winning the 2025 Song Contest in stunning fashion thanks to JJ and his dramatic operatic-pop ballad “Wasted Love.” The grand finale was held in the host city of Basel, Switzerland, and marked Austria’s first win since Conchita Wurst’s historic triumph in 2014.
JJ — a classically trained Austrian-Filipino singer — delivered a powerhouse performance, complete with emotional vocals and a theatrical stage setup that resembled a shipwreck. The crowd was visibly moved, and the song’s raw emotion helped secure the top spot in a night filled with memorable acts.
Eurovision 2025 Top Three: Austria, Israel, and Estonia
Israel secured second place with “New Day Will Rise,” performed by Yuval Raphael — a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Her emotionally charged story and powerful vocals struck a chord with both the jury and the public.
Estonia rounded out the top three, while San Marino unfortunately landed at the bottom of the scoreboard.
JJ Speaks from the Heart
Ahead of the final, JJ shared with CNN how personal the song is to him. “I had a pretty tough year, and I wanted to write about my personal experience with wasted, unreciprocated love,” he said. “If I win, I’ll probably break down, start crying, and then call my family.”
Now, with the trophy in hand, JJ’s heartfelt message has clearly resonated across Europe.
A Colorful Night of Diverse Performances
Eurovision 2025 finale featured 26 acts, including everything from Latvian ethno-pop with fairytale vibes, to glam rock from Ukraine, and a quirky Estonian act parodying Italian coffee culture. Albania’s duo also impressed with their haunting track “Zjerm,” which became a surprise fan favorite.
Despite fan rumors, legendary singer Celine Dion — who famously won for Switzerland in 1988 — did not appear during the show.
Political Tensions and Stage Disruptions
While Eurovision is meant to be apolitical, this year’s event couldn’t escape real-world tensions. Russia and Belarus remained banned from the contest due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and Israel’s participation drew protest from some segments of the fanbase because of the war in Gaza.
The Israeli performer, Yuval Raphael, took the stage at a time when Palestinian flags were seen in the audience. After her emotional performance, two individuals attempted to storm the stage, with one throwing paint and slightly hitting a crew member. According to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), no one was seriously injured, and the show continued smoothly.
A Memorable Night in Eurovision History
The Eurovision 2025 finale will be remembered for its emotional highs, diverse talent, and Austria’s triumphant return to the top. JJ’s “Wasted Love” not only won votes but touched hearts, proving that music still has the power to bring people together, even in difficult times.
