JJ, Austria’s representative and winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song “Wasted Love”, launched an unexpected attack on Israel, which once again secured the top spot in the public vote. But with JJ himself only placing fourth in that same vote, one must ask: is this a valid critique, or simply the arrogance of an artist unwilling to accept the people’s verdict?

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El País”, JJ voiced strong opinions against Israel’s continued participation in the contest, sparking widespread outrage across Europe and among Eurovision fans. “It’s very disappointing that Israel is still taking part in the contest. I hope next year it takes place in Vienna – and without Israel”, He said.

Victory Through Jury Votes – and Immediate Accusations

Following his win – which was secured solely thanks to the support of the professional juries – JJ wasted no time and began launching verbal attacks, particularly targeting Israel’s representative. In the same interview, he repeated:

“It’s very disappointing to see that Israel continues to take part in the contest. I would be happy if next year Eurovision takes place in Vienna – and without Israel. But the ball is in the court of the European Broadcasting Union. We artists can only raise our voices”.

“A Lack of Transparency in the Vote”?

JJ went on to claim:

“There needs to be more transparency in the public vote. This year, something felt very strange about it”.

His remarks allude to Spain’s request for a formal review of the voting process after Israel won the public vote, as well as Belgium’s broadcasting authority threatening to withdraw from the contest.

It seems that when the results don’t align with certain artists’ or delegations’ preferences, they choose to blame the system. However, when the juries hand out high points to specific performers, no one rushes to demand a recount. This approach raises an important question: is the issue truly about transparency – or simply dissatisfaction with the outcome?

Pride Flag Incident and Accusations of Conservatism

JJ revealed that he attempted to smuggle a pride flag onto the stage during the final but was caught just before stepping out:

“The flag was in my pants pocket. Someone from the organization saw it and told me: ‘That’s not your national flag – you can’t go on stage with it.’ I almost made it”.

In doing so, JJ openly admitted to breaking official contest rules.

While such conduct clearly violates the agreed production guidelines – which all artists sign in advance – it is unclear why JJ insists on painting Eurovision as an anti-queer space. This, despite the contest having crowned non-binary, LGBTQ+, and gender-diverse artists in recent years. JJ appears to be manufacturing outrage where none exists, only to then attack anyone who doesn’t meet his expectations.

Fighting for Rights – or Undermining the Spirit of the Contest?

“Europe is becoming more conservative, and that’s very, very disappointing. Something needs to be done”.

JJ said, stressing his use of the Eurovision stage to promote queer rights.

Yet instead of promoting positive agendas, JJ chose to undermine the contestant who earned the audience’s love. Rather than celebrating his victory, he prefers to delegitimize an entire country and stain the song contest with cynical politics – a stance fundamentally opposed to Eurovision’s values of solidarity, inclusivity, and coexistence.

The People Spoke – But the Winner Refused to Listen

JJ may celebrate his jury-backed win, but the public – the same public that gave Israel first place – sent a clear message that cannot be ignored under the guise of “transparency.” With such a stark gap between jury and televote results, it’s hard not to wonder: does the 2025 winner truly represent Eurovision – or merely himself? JJ won thanks to the juries – but acts as a judge over everyone else: the viewers, the countries – and especially Israel. Perhaps it’s time for him to start listening to what the audience has to say.

JJ – Austria’s Representative at Eurovision 2025

The winner of the first place at Eurovision 2025 is the Austrian singer JJ, who won with the song “Wasted Love” with a total of 436 points – 258 from the jury (first place in the jury ranking) and 178 from the public (fourth place in the public ranking). The song was released on March 6th, 2025, and was written by JJ together with Teya and Thomas Thurner.

JJ’s victory marks Austria’s third win in the history of the contest, following Udo Jürgens’ win in 1966 (“Merci, Cherie”) and Conchita Wurst’s win in 2014 (“Rise Like a Phoenix”). JJ was chosen to represent Austria through an internal selection process by the Austrian broadcaster ORF. In the semi-final, he ranked only fifth, but in the final held in Basel, Switzerland, he managed to secure the victory.

Johannes Pietsch, known by his stage name JJ, is a young 23-year-old Austrian opera singer with an exceptional soprano voice. He spent his childhood in Dubai and began to stand out on the international stage at a young age – in 2020, he participated in The Voice UK, where he impressed the judges with his high and unique voice. Additionally, he appeared on the Austrian talent show Starmania 21, and today he is part of the cast of the Vienna State Opera.

His love for the stage began long before the Eurovision era:

“For as long as I can remember, I always sang – or at least tried – every time a favorite song played on MTV or VH1, […] At home karaoke parties, I realized I wanted to perform all the time. Hannah Montana made me dream of becoming a pop star”.

Now, standing on one of the world’s biggest stages, JJ makes sure to stay true to himself:

“I want to be remembered as a real person, someone fun with a unique energy. You don’t have to take life too seriously. And of course, I hope they remember my voice and performance too”.