Eurovision 2025 stuns with shocking public vote snub — see who took the crown
Austria’s JJ won the 150th Eurovision Song Contest with “Wasted Love,” earning 436 points in a night marked by standout performances and political tension.
Austria claimed victory at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night in Basel, Switzerland, as countertenor JJ’s powerful performance of “Wasted Love” earned a total of 436 points. The result combined jury and public votes from the 37 participating countries, securing Austria’s place at the top ahead of Israel and Switzerland.
“Wasted Love” blends operatic vocals with a modern electronic sound, showcasing JJ’s wide vocal range and stage presence. Despite strong competition and rumors of a surprise appearance by Eurovision legend Celine Dion—who ultimately could not attend due to health issues—Austria emerged as the winner in front of a global television audience of millions.
Voting drama and geopolitical tensions shape the results
Israel's entry, “New Day Will Rise” by Yuval Raphael, came in second place with 357 points. The song, centered on themes of hope and recovery, was controversial due to Raphael’s connection to the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the performance received both cheers and boos, it nonetheless secured high scores from juries.
Switzerland, one of the favorites going into the final, received zero points from the public vote, drawing audible gasps from the live audience. Meanwhile, traditional voting patterns continued, with Cyprus giving 12 points to Greece. Azerbaijan and Armenia, who have a history of conflict, remained politically divided in their voting, with Azerbaijan not reaching the final this year.
Show highlights and global audience reach
The evening featured elaborate performances, including pyrotechnics, aerial choreography, and massive digital effects. Highlights included Finland’s Erika Vikman performing atop a giant, sparking microphone and Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska staging a return after 30 years with a fantasy-themed act featuring dragons and suspended flight.
Norway’s Kyle Alessandro opened the show in chain mail with the song “Lighter,” and Britain’s Remember Monday closed the night with a heartfelt performance. Despite not winning, many artists see Eurovision as a launchpad to wider success. Acts like ABBA and Måneskin went on to global fame after winning, while others have gained international exposure through viral performances and U.S. television appearances.
Eurovision’s legacy continues with record viewership
Eurovision began in 1956 with just seven countries and was designed to unify post-war Europe through entertainment. Today, the contest has evolved into one of the world’s most-watched live events, with last year’s shows reaching 163 million viewers—outpacing even the Super Bowl.
As “Wasted Love” begins its climb up European charts, JJ becomes the latest artist to join the ranks of Eurovision champions. While few reach the level of international icons like Celine Dion, the opportunity to perform for a global audience remains a career-defining moment for all 26 finalists.
