Day 6: The Big Five

And then we have the Big Five; we hadn’t heard or seen anything about it until now. So today that has changed.

FRANCE: Lots of green on stage with Alvan and Ahez’s French entry. The group members are dressed in black and gold. Eurovision.tv reports very solid bass. Lots of flashes of light and, to the beat of the song, Pyrotechnics can be seen coming from two pots on either side of the stage.

ITALY: We see Mahmood, but instead of Blanco there is a stand-in. The grand piano plays a part in the act. Mahmood is dressed in a long black coat. He wears white sunglasses. Mahmood and hist stand-in (Blanco in the next rehearsal) are standing face to face.

UNITED KINGDOM: Sam Ryder performs in a huge scaffold that appears to be made of steel. Lots of flashing light on Sam, who is wearing a black jumpsuit. Eurovision.tv praises the strong vocals of the sympathetic singer.

SPAIN: Chanel wears a matador outfit, but entirely in silver. The song requires a lot of dancing and there is. Three men and two women, dressed in black, complete the dance act.

GERMANY: Malik Harris is featured separately with just his guitar. He wears black pants and a white shirt. Only when the rap part can be heard, everything looks slightly different: according to eurovision.tv there is a big contrast with the rest of the act.

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Basel Bulletin

Basel Bulletin: Austria wins Eurovision

Austria wins Eurovision Austria has secured its third Eurovision victory, following previous wins in 1966 and 2014, with JJ’s captivating performance of “Wasted Love” at the 2025 contest in Basel. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor, whose unique blend of pop and opera resonated deeply with both juries and audiences across Europe. The voice UK Born Johannes Pietsch in Vienna, JJ spent his formative years in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. His musical journey includes notable appearances on The Voice UK in 2020 and Austria’s Starmania in 2021. Currently performing at the Vienna State Opera and studying classical music at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, JJ brings a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic influences to his work.  Wasted Love “Wasted Love,” co-written by JJ, Teodora Špirić (also known as Teya), and Thomas Thurner, delves into the depths of unrequited love. The song’s poignant lyrics, such as “I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water,” encapsulate the anguish of emotional abandonment. Musically, the track weaves together elements of pop, opera, and electronic music, showcasing JJ’s impressive vocal range and emotive delivery.  The staging of “Wasted Love” was a masterclass in minimalism and emotional intensity. JJ stood alone on stage, his performance enhanced by a monochromatic lighting scheme and subtle visual effects that mirrored the song’s themes of isolation and longing. This understated approach allowed the raw emotion of the piece to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. JJ’s victory not only adds to Austria’s Eurovision legacy but also underscores the contest’s celebration of diverse musical expressions and personal narratives. His success serves as an inspiration to artists who dare to blend genres and share their authentic stories on an international platform. Here are the full results: Austria, 445 Israel, 357 Estonia, 356 Sweden, 321 Italy, 256 Greece, 231 France, 230 Albania, 218 Ukraine, 218 Switzerland, 214 Finland, 196 The Netherlands, 175 Latvia, 158 Poland, 156 Germany, 151 Lithuania, 96 Malta, 91 Norway, 89 United Kingdom, 88 Armenia, 72 Portugal, 50 Luxembourg, 47 Denmark, 47 Spain, 37 Iceland, 33 San Marino, 27 Share

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Basel Bulletin
Martijn

Basel Bulletin: Austria wins Eurovision

Austria wins Eurovision Austria has secured its third Eurovision victory, following previous wins in 1966 and 2014, with JJ’s captivating performance of “Wasted Love” at the 2025 contest in Basel. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor, whose unique blend of pop and opera resonated deeply with both juries and audiences across Europe. The voice UK Born Johannes Pietsch in Vienna, JJ spent his formative years in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. His musical journey includes notable appearances on The Voice UK in 2020 and Austria’s Starmania in 2021. Currently performing at the Vienna State Opera and studying classical music at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, JJ brings a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic influences to his work.  Wasted Love “Wasted Love,” co-written by JJ, Teodora Špirić (also known as Teya), and Thomas Thurner, delves into the depths of unrequited love. The song’s poignant lyrics, such as “I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water,” encapsulate the anguish of emotional abandonment. Musically, the track weaves together elements of pop, opera, and electronic music, showcasing JJ’s impressive vocal range and emotive delivery.  The staging of “Wasted Love” was a masterclass in minimalism and emotional intensity. JJ stood alone on stage, his performance enhanced by a monochromatic lighting scheme and subtle visual effects that mirrored the song’s themes of isolation and longing. This understated approach allowed the raw emotion of the piece to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. JJ’s victory not only adds to Austria’s Eurovision legacy but also underscores the contest’s celebration of diverse musical expressions and personal narratives. His success serves as an inspiration to artists who dare to blend genres and share their authentic stories on an international platform. Here are the full results: Austria, 445 Israel, 357 Estonia, 356 Sweden, 321 Italy, 256 Greece, 231 France, 230 Albania, 218 Ukraine, 218 Switzerland, 214 Finland, 196 The Netherlands, 175 Latvia, 158 Poland, 156 Germany, 151 Lithuania, 96 Malta, 91 Norway, 89 United Kingdom, 88 Armenia, 72 Portugal, 50 Luxembourg, 47 Denmark, 47 Spain, 37 Iceland, 33 San Marino, 27 Share

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