Malmö Messages: party animals, tradition and strong women

Malmö Messages: Tonight's participants

Croatia: For a long time, Croatia was the number one with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” according to the bookmakers. Now he’s in second place. The story is known: the song tells about young people leaving Croatia to find their fortune elsewhere. This is depicted by someone walking with a suitcase. The whole group wears traditional clothing. Baby Lasagna has not been praised for his singing talent so far, but that doesn’t seem to harm him. Split or Zagreb next year?

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Iceland: The friendly Hera Björk, who kindly spoke to us a few days ago, is back. With flair and enthusiasm, and without us having to worry about her vocals, she stands on stage. However, we do have a concern: the song. It doesn’t seem to make much of an impact yet. While Hera easily made it to the final in 2010, the odds currently give her a 29th place. The final seems far away.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Slovenia: Many bodies around the Slovenian Raiven as she sings her Veronika. The dancers, all in bodysuits and with a lot of nudity, portray the story of this strong woman with her. Vocally, everything is well. But whether the beautiful but sad story of Veronika will be understood? We hope so! With a 19th place, the bookmakers are positive for now.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Finland: What Käärijä can do, Windows95man must have thought he could do too. We have our doubts about thát, but what he and his companion Henri Piispanen definitely succeed in is throwing a party. With the blurred Windows95 logo, the underwear, and the way too short 1970s jeans, the entry stands out. “No rules,” sings the man who follows the rules perfectly.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Moldova: We don’t understand it. Why wasn’t Natalia Barbu, who sings her “In the Middle,” allowed to bring all her look-alikes from the national final? Now she has added everything: butterflies, blossoms, wings, a violin… but she stands there alone. In 2007, she had to pay for her trip if she didn’t make it to the final. She did make it, but hopefully, she doesn’t have such a deal with the Moldovan broadcaster again. The bookmakers have her at 36th place.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson
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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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