JJ, Austria’s Eurovision 2025 representative, plans to deliver a groundbreaking performance in Basel. He shared details about his concept and excitement during a podcast interview this week.
One of the favorites to win Eurovision 2025 is Austria, represented by JJ with the song “Wasted Love.” The artist will compete in the second semi-final on May 15 in Basel, Switzerland. Not only is the song itself unique, but JJ’s upcoming performance promises to be equally innovative.
During the Heads of Delegation meeting in Basel this week, official staging plans were submitted to Switzerland’s national broadcaster, SRG SSR. In an interview with the podcast “The Euro Trip”, JJ shared his thoughts about the concept approval process:
“I’m a bit nervous [about the staging plans being submitted] because it’s going to be something that hasn’t really been done before camera-wise.. I’m really looking forward to it, and hoping it will go through because, if it does, it will be so cool.”
The music video for “Wasted Love” tells a visual story: JJ begins his journey in a rainy forest with a small paper boat and ventures into stormy seas until the boat capsizes. According to JJ, these elements will also feature prominently in his Eurovision performance:
“The water and rain elements, and the boat will be on my staging as well. It’s going to be very storytelling, the same as the music video. It’s going to be very, very intimate. I can’t say much, but everyone will get an insight into my soul. It will be very in-depth.”
A Visionary Creative Team
The creative production is led by renowned director Sergio Jaén, who previously showcased his talent at Eurovision 2024 by staging Ireland’s “Doomsday Blue,” performed by Bambie Thug, which finished in sixth place. JJ expressed his gratitude for collaborating with such a skilled professional:
“I’m really grateful to be working with such a great producer and staging director.”
JJ’s performance will debut during the second semi-final on May 15 in Basel. Alongside his preparations for Austria’s entry, Sergio Jaén is also involved in staging performances for Finland’s Erika Vikman and Cyprus’ Theo Evan.
JJ – Who Are You?
Johannes Pietsch, or JJ, is a 23-year-old Austrian opera singer with a soprano voice type. Raised in Dubai, he previously participated in The Voice UK in 2020, impressing judges with his high voice. JJ also took part in the series Starmania 21 and currently performs at the Vienna State Opera.
Austria in Eurovision 2025:
“Wasted Love” is the title of the song that will be performed by JJ, representing Austria in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025, set to take place on May 13 in Basel, Switzerland. The song was written by the singer, whose full name is Johannes Pietsch, along with Thomas Turner and Teya – Austria’s 2023 Eurovision representative alongside Salena with the song “Who The Hell Is Edgar?“. The song is performed in English.
The song explores feelings of pain and loss following a love that was either unfulfilled or not reciprocated with the same intensity. JJ describes himself as an “ocean of love,” while the person he loves is afraid to “drown” in emotions and chooses to distance themselves. He expresses a sense of abandonment, struggling to hold on to the relationship but ultimately finding himself alone, drifting in a sea of emotions with no way to reclaim what was lost.
Austria is currently ranked second in the betting odds for Eurovision 2025.
Eurovision 2025: This will be Austria’s 57th participation in Eurovision. Austria joined the competition in 1957 and has won twice over the years. Austria’s last victory was in Eurovision 2014 with the song “Rise Like a Pheonix” performed by singer Conchita Wurst.
Source: The Euro Trip.
