The 2025 winner returns to Vienna, celebrating his historic victory with a mix of pop and opera
Category: Arts & Culture
Austria’s Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, opened the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on May 16, marking the event’s 70th anniversary. JJ, who won the previous year’s competition with his operatic ballad "Wasted Love," captivated audiences once again with a stunning performance that showcased his unique blend of pop and opera.
JJ’s victory in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Basel, Switzerland, was a historic moment for Austria, as it secured the nation’s third win in the contest’s history, following triumphs in 1966 and 2015. His winning song, released on March 6, 2025, was co-written with Teodora Špirić and Thomas Thurner, and it resonated deeply with both the public and jury voters, earning him a total of 436 points. JJ edged out Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who finished second with 357 points.
Born on April 29, 2001, in Vienna, JJ has a diverse background, with an Austrian father and a Filipino mother. He grew up in both Dubai and Vienna, which may have contributed to his eclectic musical style. JJ’s classical training at the Vienna State Opera school and the Music and Arts University of Vienna has equipped him with a remarkable vocal range that extends into soprano heights, a rarity in mainstream pop music.
His competitive spirit first emerged in 2020 when he participated in the British version of "The Voice" at just 18 years old. JJ impressed coach will.i.am with his rendition of "The Sound of Music" during the blind auditions but was eliminated in the knockout round. Undeterred, he later competed on the Austrian show "Starmania," where he continued to hone his craft.
JJ’s remarkable win at Eurovision 2025 marked a watershed moment for classical music in popular culture. His emotional performance of "Wasted Love" dominated the jury vote, where he secured 258 points, and showcased the potential for classical vocal artistry to thrive in contemporary music competitions. The song’s operatic ballad style, characterized by breathy, whispered vocals that build to powerful peaks, highlighted JJ’s exceptional talent and ability to connect with a global audience.
The Eurovision Song Contest has long been a platform for diverse musical styles, and JJ’s success signals a shift in the industry, demonstrating that artists with classical training can achieve mainstream recognition without compromising their artistic integrity. His victory may inspire a new wave of classical musicians to enter the pop arena, reshaping the future of international song competitions.
Following his win, JJ expressed his desire to spread love and positivity through his music. He stated, "Forget hate, love is the strongest force, and be active. Use your voice. You’re an advocate for what you believe in, and free. Just keep on fighting for what you believe in, and spread love." His message resonated with fans, emphasizing the power of music as a unifying force.
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest features 25 countries competing in Vienna at the Wiener Stadthalle, the same venue that hosted the 60th contest in 2015. The event is expected to draw millions of viewers from across Europe and beyond, with JJ’s performance setting a high bar for this year’s contestants. The final will be hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, with commentary from Graham Norton for UK viewers.
This year’s contest celebrates the 70th anniversary of Eurovision and aims to highlight the rich musical heritage of Vienna, a city renowned for its classical music roots. Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed excitement about hosting the event in Vienna, stating, "Vienna’s reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, and its location in the heart of Europe, makes it the perfect host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026." He emphasized the city’s commitment to creating a spectacular celebration of music that reverberates across the globe.
As JJ continues to make waves in the music industry, his future performances will likely draw on his unique background and training, blending classical and contemporary styles to captivate audiences worldwide. His participation in the 2026 contest reinforces his status as a leading figure in the music scene and serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classical artistry in modern entertainment.
With the 70th Eurovision Song Contest now underway, fans eagerly anticipate how this year’s competition will evolve, especially in light of JJ’s historic achievements. The event promises to showcase a vibrant array of talent and creativity, uniting nations in a celebration of music that transcends borders.