Eurovision 2025: Austria Claims Victory with JJ as France Falls Short Despite Louane’s Performance

In a surprising turn of events, Austria emerged victorious at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Basel, Switzerland, on the night of Saturday, May 17. Operatic countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, captivated juries and audiences alike with Wasted Love, a baroque-electronic piece written in just ten minutes. His powerful performance about unrequited love earned him 436 points, securing Austria’s third Eurovision win—eleven years after Conchita Wurst’s iconic triumph.

At just 24, the Austro-Filipino singer may have launched a whole new chapter in his career; until recently, he was performing in The Magic Flute at the Vienna Opera. “This is beyond my wildest dreams,” JJ said in tears after his win. Once seen as an underdog, he surged ahead thanks to an unexpectedly fractured voting landscape, leaving the heavily favored Swedish trio KAJ in fourth place.

Surprise Podium: Israel and Estonia Follow Close Behind

Israel took second place in a dramatic upset. Yuval Raphael, initially ranked 19th after the jury votes, soared to the top thanks to a powerful televote surge (297 points). Her song New Day Will Rise resonated with viewers, especially given her personal story—she survived the October 7 Hamas attack, and her participation stirred protests in Basel, with pro-Palestinian demonstrations and heckling during public rehearsals.

Estonia rounded out the podium with Tommy Cash’s satirical Espresso Macchiato, which poked fun at Italian stereotypes involving coffee, mafia, and spaghetti. The song drew criticism in Italy and sparked political debate, with far-right senator Gian Marco Centinaio publicly demanding the act be banned. Despite the backlash, Tommy Cash earned enough support to land a solid third place.

France’s Rollercoaster Ride Ends in Disappointment

France’s hopes were dashed in the final stretch. Louane, performing the emotional ballad Maman, had generated buzz across Europe and climbed to third place after the jury votes with 180 points. But with only 50 points awarded by the public, she slipped to seventh overall. Her heartfelt performance, which moved her to tears on stage, had led many to believe France could reach the podium—or even win.

Céline Dion’s Absence: A Lingering Mystery

Adding to the intrigue of this 69th Eurovision edition was the unanswered question of Céline Dion’s rumored appearance. The Quebec-born diva, who won the contest for Switzerland in 1988, had been the subject of intense speculation leading up to the final. Swiss broadcaster RTS even reported her presence in Basel on the night of the event. But despite a heartfelt video message shown during the semi-final—“There’s nothing I’d love more than to be with you in Basel,” she said—Dion never appeared on stage, leaving fans puzzled.

Next Stop: Eurovision 2026

With this unexpected win, Austria will host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Whether it takes place in Vienna, Graz, or Salzburg remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Eurovision continues to deliver drama, emotion, and surprise like no other show in the world.