Austrian singer JJ has won the Eurovision Song Contest with his song “Wasted Love,” securing victory on Saturday night at the Sankt Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, narrowly beating Israeli competitor Yuval Raphael.
JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, garnered a total of 436 points, receiving 258 points from the jury and 178 points from the public who voted remotely. The 24-year-old Austro-Filipino countertenor delivered soaring soprano high notes interspersed with ballad refrains, culminating in a techno climax. His song’s lyrics explore the experience of unrequited love.
Belgium’s choice mirrored this victory, with Belgian spokesperson Manu Van Acker, a Flemish actor and presenter, announcing that the country awarded JJ the maximum 12 points.
Israeli candidate Yuval Raphael finished in second place with “New Day Will Rise,” earning 357 points, primarily thanks to public votes (297). Estonian artist Tommy Cash with “Espresso Macchiato” secured third place with 356 points.
Expectations were not met for Sweden, as betting houses predicted a win for the comedic trio KAJ with their sauna-themed song “Bara bada bastu” (“Just Take a Sauna”). However, they finished in fourth place with 321 points.
Belgian contestant Red Sebastian was eliminated after the first semi-final on Tuesday.
Tradition dictates that the winning country hosts the next Eurovision Contest, so the next final is expected to take place in Vienna.
