Eurovision 2025 winner JJ, in an online interview with Spanish newspaper “El PAÍS” a few hours after his victory in Basel
Johannes Pietsch, 24, known artistically as JJ, has made headlines once again—not only for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 representing Austria, but also for his outspoken stance on the contest’s direction and inclusivity. A proud representative of both Austria and the queer community, JJ follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Nemo, by challenging the norms of Eurovision and calling for reform.
JJ clinched victory in Basel with his song Wasted Love, after another nail-biting showdown with Israel—mirroring the intense competition seen in 2024. While both he and Nemo share a strong voice within the LGBTQ+ community, JJ is quick to point out that “our proposals are not exactly the same.” However, he tells El PAÍS in an online interview just hours after his win: “I agree 100% with Nemo that Eurovision needs some adjustments. Specifically, it needs to make changes to the voting system and who participates in the festival.”
JJ, a countertenor currently performing with the Vienna Opera, didn’t hold back in expressing frustration with how Eurovision is being handled in light of recent events. “Europe is experiencing a setback. I tried to sneak in an LGBTQ+ flag during the final, but the organizers caught me at the last minute,” he revealed to El PAÍS.
The controversy surrounding the televote also took center stage in JJ’s remarks. “There should be more transparency when it comes to the public vote. This year everything felt very strange in that regard,” he continued, echoing wider concerns. The Spanish delegation has already requested an audit to investigate how Israel once again managed to dominate the public vote. Meanwhile, Belgium’s VRT has threatened to withdraw from the contest if the organizers fail to provide clarity.
JJ also didn’t shy away from voicing a stronger political stance: “It’s very disappointing to see that Israel is still participating in the contest. I’d like next year’s Eurovision to take place in Vienna—and without Israel. But the ball is in the EBU’s court. We, the artists, can only raise our voices on the matter.”
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