Filipino-Austrian JJ wins Eurovision Song Contest 2025

Filipino-Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, known by his stage name JJ, clinched victory at the 69th edition of the international singing competition, Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

Twenty-six countries took part in the grand finals of the world’s longest-running international song competition, held in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17, 2025.

JJ, 24, proudly performed his original song, “Wasted Love,” captivating both juries and audiences.

He earned a total of 436 points—258 from the juries and 178 from the public vote—securing Austria’s third Eurovision win.

JJ triumphed over Israel, which scored 357 points, and Estonia, which received 356 points.

This victory follows Austria’s previous Eurovision wins by Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014.

He is also the second Filipino to represent Austria in the contest, following Vincent Bueno in 2021.

JJ: “Love is never wasted!”

On Instagram, JJ posted a video of himself proudly holding his Eurovision trophy, accompanied by an uplifting message.

Contrary to the title of his winning song, the Filipino-Austrian singer declared, “Love is never wasted.”

He said: “Hello, everybody, we did it! Guys, love is never wasted. There is so much love that can be spread around in any field.

“Hate is literally the worst thing that there is out there, so spread love.

“Love is literally the strongest force on planet Earth. And let’s just love each other and live in a civil union.

“Thank you guys so, so much. I love you. Thank you, Europe.”

WHO IS JJ?

JJ was born in Vienna and raised in Dubai, where his love for music was shaped by two contrasting influences—pop music, introduced through family karaoke sessions, and opera, inspired by his father.

His father works as an Austrian IT specialist, while his mother is a Filipino cook.

In 2016, JJ’s family returned to Austria, where the young singer further developed his talent through local talent shows and small roles in opera productions.

Meanwhile, before his Eurovision win, JJ competed on The Voice UK in 2020, where he was mentored by Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am.