JJ, Austria’s representative for Eurovision 2025, will perform “Wasted Love”, as song number 6 in the second semi-final on May 15th in Basel, Switzerland.

Since March 9th, the singer has consistently ranked second in betting odds, edging closer to one of the most pivotal moments of his career. What awaits on stage? What’s the true story behind the song? And how does the frontrunner view his odds?

Intimacy and Rain: The Stage Design and Creative Vision

In an interview with Eurovisionworld, JJ revealed:

“I’ll be alone on stage, and it’ll be deeply personal, […] The audience at home and in the arena will get a real glimpse into my soul. They’ll feel everything I experienced while going through the hardships I sing about in ‘Wasted Love’”.

Though the official music video features water, boats, and rain, JJ clarifies that the live performance is distinct:

“These are two separate products, but it’s amazing to see how they’ve connected organically. Boats, water, and rain will be part of the stage, and it’s thrilling to see how naturally everything unfolded”.

The creative direction is led by renowned director Sergio Jaén, who previously proved his skills at the last Eurovision by directing Ireland’s 2024 entry “Doomsday Blue”, performed by Bambie Thug, which placed sixth. JJ’s performance will debut on the Eurovision stage at the second semi-final on May 15th in Basel. Alongside his work on Austria’s act, Jaén is also directing the entries of Finland’s Erika Vikman and Cyprus’s Theo Evan.

From Heartbreak to Anthem: The Songwriting Process

Contrary to rumors of a writing camp, JJ crafted the song independently during a personal crisis. “2024 was an incredibly tough year for me”, he shared.

After reaching out to Teya, the two collaborated in Berlin:

“I sent her a message saying I wanted to write about my Eurovision journey. She invited me over, and within ten minutes, we had lyrics”.

The song was completed with producer Thomas, who translated JJ’s emotions into melancholic chords.

“It was an organic process – I poured my heart out while he played, and everything just clicked”.

How Does a Favorite Feel?

The betting odds place JJ among the leading candidates to win in Basel. How is he coping with the exciting-and nerve-wracking predictions?

“It’s crazy, […] I get chills every time I think about it. It’s exciting to know that people respect and love my art and the way I present it. I feel lucky to see how warm and supportive people are. I’m so happy to be able to experience this”.

And when asked what will happen if he wins?

“If I win, it will be the greatest honor of my life. I will just collapse in tears on the floor”.

The Personal Connection with Conchita

For JJ, the Eurovision dream began in 2014 when he first watched Conchita Wurst‘s victory:

“Her win was so meaningful to me. That was the first time I properly watched Eurovision. I still remember the two hosts saying: ‘We’ve done the math. It’s not a secret anymore. The winner is Austria!’ That truly melted my heart”.

The Boy Who Dreamed of Becoming a Pop Star

The desire to stand on stage wasn’t foreign to JJ long before the Eurovision era:

“Since I was little, I would sing-or at least try to-every time a song I loved played on MTV or VH1, […] At karaoke parties at home, I realized I wanted to perform all the time. Hannah Montana made me dream of becoming a pop star”.

Now, as he stands on the brink of one of the world’s biggest stages, the singer remains true to himself:

“I want to be remembered as an authentic person, someone fun with unique energy. You don’t need to take everything too seriously. And of course, I want people to remember my voice and my performance”.

Friendship, Humor, and One Big Dream

Alongside the hard work, the pre-Basel period is also marked by moments of personal connections and new friendships:

“At the pre-parties, we’ve already become like a group of 30 close friends. Everyone was so nice, and it was moving to see that”.

As the big dream approaches, JJ knows that simply participating is a victory in itself:

“Even if I don’t win, the experience of being in this bubble is something I’ll never forget”.

When the lights dim and the stage fills with a rain of emotions, Austria’s Eurovision 2025 representative will stand alone-with one truth, one personal story, and a gamble written from a broken heart. This performance might break hearts, or it might make history. But one thing is certain: At the moment of truth, all of Europe will look toward him-and try to understand how one song can change the entire picture.

Austria at Eurovision 2025

“Wasted Love” is the song to be performed by JJ, representing Austria in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025 on May 15th in Basel, Switzerland, The song was written by the singer himself, alongside Thomas Turner and Teya, Austria’s representative at Eurovision 2023 with Salena and their song “Who The Hell Is Edgar?“. The song is performed in English.

The lyrics explore the pain and loss of unrequited or unfulfilled love. JJ describes himself as an “ocean of love,” while the object of his affection fears “drowning” in his emotions and chooses to pull away. The song conveys abandonment, depicting a struggle to hold onto a connection that ultimately leaves him adrift in emotional turmoil, unable to reclaim what was lost.

Currently, Austria ranks second in the betting odds for Eurovision 2025.

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.

Source: Eurovisionwold.