In brief
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 concluded in Basel, Switzerland, with Austrian counter-tenor JJ seizing the crown with his heartfelt ballad "Wasted Love." Amid protests and unexpected performances, the UK faced disappointment once more.
In a thrilling climax at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland, Austrian singer JJ has emerged victorious with his emotional track "Wasted Love." This gripping electro-ballad about unreciprocated affection brought JJ a total of 436 points, just in time to overshadow Israel's earlier lead of 357 points. The 24-year-old, who balances a career as a counter-tenor at the Vienna State Opera, graciously accepted his trophy with a heartfelt message: "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love."This marks Austria's third Eurovision win, following their previous successes with Udo Jürgens' "Merci, Cherie" in 1966 and Conchita Wurst's iconic "Rise Like a Phoenix" in 2014. JJ's performance resonated widely, as he shared his narrative of heartbreak through the song. After the contest, he expressed his joy over connecting with fans, emphasizing his hope of spreading love through his music.The competition saw Israel's Yuval Raphael finish in second place with her poignant song "New Day Will Rise." However, her performance was marred by protests regarding Israel's military actions, leading to a brief security disruption during her act. Despite this, the 25-year-old survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks managed to deliver a compelling performance that garnered respect from the audience and judges alike.The UK faced yet another dismal showing, finishing 19th with their act "Remember Monday," who scored 88 points after producing an energetic number. Despite receiving well-earned scores from juries, the public vote was less forgiving, leading to yet another year of disappointment for the UK.As the performances unfolded, Eurovision’s trademark flair was on full display — from Malta's Mariana Conte, whose spirited disco anthem was fine-tuned to avoid controversy, to the hilarity of Estonia's Tommy Cash. The contest also addressed more serious themes, including economic migration and environmental disaster, showcasing a series of powerful performances from various countries.JJ concluded the night at the top, while memories of past victories lingered amongst fellow competitors and fans alike. As Eurovision continues to blend artistry with poignant messages, this year's contest was a vivid tapestry of emotions, echoing the power of music and love across borders.
