Staff Report
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest, held on May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, delivered a night of unforgettable performances, dramatic voting twists, and a historic win for Austria. Here’s everything you need to know about Eurovision 2025:
Austria’s JJ Triumphs with “Wasted Love”
Austria secured its third Eurovision victory with JJ’s haunting operatic-pop ballad, “Wasted Love.” JJ, an Austrian-Filipino countertenor, captivated audiences with his emotional delivery and a visually striking black-and-white stage design. The performance, directed by Spanish choreographer Sergio Jaén, combined classical elements with modern techno beats, creating a unique and memorable act. JJ earned a total of 436 points, receiving 258 from the professional juries and 178 from the public vote.
Final Results: Top 5 Standings
- Austria – JJ – “Wasted Love” – 436 points
- Israel – Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise” – 357 points
- Estonia – Tommy Cash – “Espresso Machiatto” – 356 points
- Sweden – KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu” – 321 points
- Italy – Lucio Corsi – “Volevo essere un duro” – 256 points
Israel’s Yuval Raphael led the public vote with 297 points but received only 60 points from the juries, placing second overall. Estonia’s Tommy Cash delivered a surreal performance that resonated with audiences, securing third place.
Notable Performances and Moments
- Sweden’s KAJ: Despite being a pre-contest favorite, Sweden’s sauna-themed act finished fourth, with a strong jury score but modest public votes.
- Italy’s Lucio Corsi: His glam-rock performance surprised many, earning a solid fifth-place finish.
- France’s Louane: Her heartfelt song “Maman” received the Artistic Award, recognizing its exceptional performance.
- Switzerland’s Zoë Më: Despite a strong jury score of 214 points, she received zero points from the public vote, highlighting a notable divide.
- United Kingdom’s Remember Monday: The girl group finished 19th, receiving 88 points from the jury but none from the public vote, marking another year of disappointment for the UK.
Controversies and Highlights
The contest was not without its controversies. Israel’s participation sparked protests due to political tensions, and during the final, two individuals attempted to storm the stage following Israel’s performance but were promptly stopped by security.
Despite these incidents, the show featured a diverse array of performances, from Estonia’s surreal coffee-themed act to Finland’s dramatic dominatrix routine, showcasing the eclectic nature of Eurovision.
Looking Ahead: Eurovision 2026 in Vienna
With Austria’s victory, the Eurovision Song Contest will return to Vienna in 2026. Fans can anticipate another spectacular event celebrating music, culture, and unity.
