Fil-Austrian JJ Pietsch clinches Eurovision 2025 win with «Wasted Love»

Fil-Austrian JJ Pietsch is the first-ever champion of Filipino origin in the widely popular Eurovision Song Contest.

Photo courtesy: NRK TV screengrab

By Gene Alcantara

Basel, Switzerland – Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with Fil-Austrian JJ`s   operatic-techno fusion song, “Wasted Love.” The 24-year-old countertenor, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, captivated audiences with his emotional performance, earning 436 points to take the top spot.

JJ’s triumph marks Austria’s third Eurovision win, following Conchita Wurst’s iconic victory in 2014 and Udo Jürgens’ success in 1966. His performance, broadcast in black and white with a 4:3 ratio, added a dramatic flair that resonated with viewers across Europe.

The final results saw Israel’s Yuval Raphael finishing in second place with 357 points, while Estonia’s Tommy Cash secured third with 356 points. The UK’s entry, Remember Monday, landed in 19th place, receiving zero points from the public vote for the second consecutive year.

Upon receiving the coveted glass microphone trophy, JJ expressed his gratitude saying “Thank you, Europe, for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world—let’s spread more love.”

JJ, who was born in Vienna on 29 April 2001, grew up in Dubai before returning to Vienna in 2016 at the age of 15, and has been honing his craft in classical music while experimenting with pop and techno elements.  His mother is a Filipino cook and his father is an Austrian IT specialist.  He was educated at the German International School in Dubai and is fluent in German, English, Tagalog, and French, with a smattering of Arabic.

Before competing on the Eurovision stage, he had already participated in several singing competitions such as «The Voice UK» under coach Will.i.am and «Starmania 21.»

His Eurovision entry, "Wasted Love", which he co-wrote with two others, explores themes of unrequited love, blending lyricism, balladry, and a techno flourish.

Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker congratulated JJ, calling his victory “a fantastic success” and praising his contribution to Austrian music history. The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also celebrated JJ’s win, highlighting his Filipino heritage.

With an estimated 160 million viewers tuning in worldwide, Eurovision 2025 delivered another unforgettable night of music, spectacle, and drama. JJ’s victory cements his place in Eurovision history, proving that operatic pop can captivate audiences across the continent.

Marizel Rojas, a long time resident of Vienna, and Chair of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria, has been posting on Facebook about JJ since he was declared a contestant in Eurovision.  When he won, she posted on Facebook , “WE WON ESC 2025!!!!   Congratulations JJ Pietsch!!!!!”

Vienna Filipino community leader Marizel Rojas is "proud of Jj´s historic win" at the Eurovision Song Contest this year.

 “I am overjoyed and deeply proud to witness this historic win by a young artist who embodies the best of both worlds—Filipino heart and Austrian soul,” Rojas told Pinoy Portal Europe (PPE).

“Jj’s talent, authenticity, and powerful performance have inspired not just Europe but also Filipinos across the globe. He is a shining example of what our multicultural youth can achieve when they stay true to who they are and follow their passion with courage and grace,” Rojas added.

Merle Soquila-Blashke, another long time Vienna resident and Filcom leader, gushed on the win saying “I’m so happy and proud of him yes! When Austria was announced as the winner, I jumped and shouted with joy not realizing it was past midnight he he he! Well, I think his victory is the best thing that have ever happened to us Filipinos in Europe as far as I remember.”

Filcom leader in Vienna Merle Soquila-Blashke was also profuse with joy of the victory calling JJ, a "Filipino pride."

“He is the Philippines’ pride, our pride. He brought us Filipinos honor and such as this is a beautiful blessing of victory to all of us. So, My heartfelt Congratulations to JJ and to his parents,” she further said.

JJ is the first ever champion of Filipino origin at the oldest singing competition in Europe.  In his press conference after winning Eurovision, he proudly spoke in Filipino in response to a question by a Filipino in the audience: “Maraming maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng Filipino na kababayan na sumusuporta sa akin Talaga yung pangarap ko ay you know nagiging reality.  Maraming salamat sa lahat. ) Lots of thanks to all Filipino compatriots  who supported me. This is my dream and you know it has become a reality. Lots of thanks to all.)”

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