Who is JJ? Austria’s Johannes Pietsch wins Eurovision 2025 with ‘Wasted Love’ in Basel

Austria has claimed the Eurovision 2025 title as 24-year-old artist JJ, real name Johannes Pietsch, emerged victorious with his stirring pop-opera ballad “Wasted Love”.

The grand final, held in Basel, Switzerland, saw a close race between Austria and Israel’s Yuval Raphael before the public vote lifted JJ to the top of the leaderboard with a total of 436 points.

JJ is no stranger to music fans, having appeared on The Voice UK in 2020 under the guidance of will.i.am. Born in Vienna and raised in Dubai, the Austrian-Filipino singer impressed with his operatic vocals and emotional storytelling. His Eurovision entry, “Wasted Love”, explores heartbreak and emotional growth, combining classical technique with explosive techno production.

JJ’s performance captivated both jury and audience, drawing comparisons to Austria’s previous Eurovision champion, Conchita Wurst, who won in 2014 with “Rise Like A Phoenix”. Reflecting on the win, JJ told Independent how music has always been central to his life, beginning with childhood performances and leading to songwriting and professional ambitions.

Speaking before the final, JJ described the honour of representing Austria as overwhelming and called the experience a dream come true. On stage, his powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery connected with viewers across Europe, sealing his place as the 2025 Eurovision winner.

Asked about celebrating the victory, JJ said he’d likely cry first, then party with his team, family, and friends, adding, “Just being part of this experience already feels like a huge win.”