Austria wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the 24-year-old JJ and the “Wasted Love” electro-pop ballad. Counter -taught voice, capable of touching peaks as a soprano, JJ – art name of Johannes Pietsch – is already known in the world of classical music. Austrian father and Filipino mother, he is the second Austro-Filippino artist to represent Austria, who thus brings his overall victories to three (the last one dated back to 2014 with Conchita Wurst).
Italy returns home empty -handed, despite the hopes placed on the outsider Lucio Corsi – also strong of an unexpected Social endorsement by Ed Sheeran – who closes with a remarkable fifth place (fourth for the quality juries of the 37 countries in the race, but penalized by televoting with only 97 points). Instead, the outcome for San Marino disappoints, represented by Gabry Ponte, which ended surprisingly in the last place.
Other artists linked to Italy also on stage: the Albanians Shkodra Elektronike, Italian citizens, and Mariana Conte, competing for Malta and daughter of a Neapolitan father. “A pinch of Italy, indeed, of Italianity” – as she has repeatedly pointed out, also on stage, next to Michelle Hunziker, among the presenters of the evening.
Below is the ranking of the top ten positions:
- Austria 436 Points
- Israel 327
- Estonia 356
- Sweden 321
- Italy 256
- Greece 231
- France 230
- Albania 218
- Ukrainian 218
- Switzerland 214
Therefore, the forecasts of the eve disregarded, which gave Sweden among the favorites. The show was, as usual, spectacular for scenography, special effects, lights and fireworks. But not everything was lights and sequins. At the behest of the organizers, the Basel edition had to remain out of politics and topicality: banners who were not those of the countries in the race, no whistles, no controversy. A decision made especially after the announcement of Israel's participation, which turned on the debate. The stated goal was simple: the music unites, it does not divide. But the result was only partially achieved.
Outside St. Jakobshaalle, clashes between Fillestinese demonstrators and law enforcement demonstrators, just before the performance of Yuval Raphael-survived the assault of 7 October 2023, an event to which his song makes explicit reference, occurred. According to reports from the Israeli media, there were two attempts to assault on stage by the demonstrators inside the arena, foiled by safety. The whistles – if there were – have been covered by applause. For the record, Israel ranked second, driven by a strong televoting.
The tensions related to the Middle Eastern question also had repercussions on the Ebu front (the body that brings together European public broadcasters and organizes the Eurovision), which entered the collision course with Rtve, the Spanish public television. After mentioning the conflict in Gaza during the semifinal, Rtve was put “under observation” and threatened with “sanctioning fines” if the references had reiterated. The answer came shortly before the start of the final, with an unequivocal message published in its official channels: “in front of human rights, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine”.
These are the votes assigned by the States:
– Sweden assigns 12 points to Austria
– Azerbaijan assigns 12 points to Israel
– Malta assigns 12 points to Armenia
– The Netherlands assign 12 points to Austria
– Slovenia assigns 12 points to Italy
– Armenia assigns 12 points to France
– Luxembourg assigns 12 points to France
– San Marino assigns 12 points to Italy
– Ukraine assigns 12 points to Germany
– Norway assigns 12 points to Austria
– Austria assigns 12 points to Finland
– France assigns 12 points to Albania
– Italy assigns 12 points to the United Kingdom
– Portugal assigns 12 points to Italy
– Denmark assigns 12 points to Latvia
– Croatia assigns 12 points to Italy
– Latvia assigns 12 points to Austria
– Ireland assigns 12 points to Austria
– Poland assigns 12 points to Switzerland
– Montenegro assigns 12 points to Greece
– Greece assigns 12 points to France
– Serbia assigns 12 points to France
– The Czech Republic assigns 12 points to Germany
– The United Kingdom assigns 12 points to Latvia
– Spain assigns 12 points to Switzerland
– Finland assigns 12 points to Austria
– Australia assigns 12 points to Greece
– Germany assigns 12 points to Austria
– Belgium assigns 12 points to Austria
– Israel assigns 12 points to Greece
– Albania assigns 12 points to France
– Lithuania assigns 12 points to Latvia
– Iceland assigns 12 points to Sweden
– Georgia assigns 12 points to Italy
– Cyprus assigns 12 points to Greece
– Estonia assigns 12 points to Switzerland
– Switzerland assigns 12 points to Italy
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
