Austrian singer JJ has snagged the top spot in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland, thanks to a dramatic last-minute vote. The 24-year-old counter-tenor, who performs at the Vienna State Opera, captivated audiences with his electrifying ballad "Wasted Love," a poignant reflection on unrequited affection. As he accepted the prestigious glass microphone trophy, JJ expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world; let's spread more love."
JJ accrued a staggering 436 points, while Israel’s Yuval Raphael took second place with 357 points, and Estonia's Tommy Cash finished third with 356 points. Unfortunately for the UK, their act, Remember Monday, ended in 19th place with just 88 points. For the second consecutive year, the UK received no public votes.
JJ's sister famously broke past security to congratulate him immediately after his win announcement. He revealed that his entire family was there, including his 85-year-old grandfather and four-month-old niece. This victory marks Austria's third win in Eurovision history, following previous wins in 1966 and 2014.
However, the competition was not without controversy. Israel's participation was marred by protests concerning its military actions in Gaza. During their performance, activists attempted to interrupt but were swiftly removed by security. Despite the chaos, Raphael managed to deliver a haunting ballad about resilience.
The evening featured vibrant performances infused with humor and heartfelt tributes, showcasing the spectrum of emotions represented at Eurovision. Notably, the contest addressed serious themes of migration and environmental crises alongside its usual entertainment flair.
As for the UK, Remember Monday’s upbeat performance and theatrical presentation didn’t resonate with viewers, despite praise from the juries. The group took their disappointing result with humor, holding peace signs as the scores rolled in.
The intense voting process, which saw some wild last-minute changes, highlighted the unpredictable nature of Eurovision, drawing gasps from the crowd as the final points were announced, confirming Austria's exhilarating victory at the close of the 2025 contest.
