🇦🇹 Road to Basel: Austria

Road to Basel: Austria

Road to Basel: Austria! As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Austria.

ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer

JJ

Johannes Pietsch, known professionally as JJ, is a 23-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor born in Vienna in 2001. He spent his early years in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. JJ studied at the Vienna State Opera’s opera school and currently attends the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna. His musical style blends classical opera with contemporary pop elements. JJ gained national recognition as a finalist on the Austrian talent show Starmania in 2021. ​

“Wasted Love”

JJ’s Eurovision entry, “Wasted Love,” is a pop-opera fusion track co-written by JJ himself, Teodora Ĺ pirić (also known as Teya), and Thomas Thurner. The song delves into the emotions of unrequited love, starting with minimal instrumentation and building to a techno-influenced climax. The accompanying music video, directed by Viennese filmmaker Vesely Marek, features symbolic imagery set in a forest, reflecting the song’s themes of sadness and solitude. ​

Internal Selection Process

Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, opted for an internal selection process for Eurovision 2025. Interested artists submitted their entries between July and September 2024. A songwriting camp was held in Vienna in August 2024 to create potential songs for the contest. From eight shortlisted entries, “Wasted Love” by JJ was selected by a panel comprising 30 music industry experts, 30 international OGAE fan club members, and the ORF Eurovision editorial team. JJ was announced as Austria’s representative on 30 January 2025 during the radio show Ă–3-Wecker, and the song was released on 6 March 2025. ​

Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest

Austria has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 56 times since its debut in 1957. The country has won twice: in 1966 with Udo JĂĽrgens‘ “Merci, ChĂ©rie” and in 2014 with Conchita Wurst‘s “Rise Like a Phoenix.” Austria has experienced varying success over the years, with several last-place finishes and instances of receiving zero points.

A Random Austrian Entry

Reflecting on Austria’s Eurovision history, random.org chose 1997. Bettina Soriat represented Austria with the song “One Step”. It was not one of Austria’s biggest successes, with a 21st place. Before Eurovision, Bettina had a career in musical, with roles in “Robin Hood,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Sweet Charity”and  “Grease”.

Betting Odds

As of now, JJ’s “Wasted Love” is one of the most succesful songs in the odds. It has a 2nd place with 17% chance to win the contest. The song is 3rd in the odds in order to win the 2nd semifinal.​

We eagerly await the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel and look forward to witnessing JJ’s performance on the grand stage.

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Martijn

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Vienna 12 points: Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet opens contest week

The Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet officially opened contest week in Vienna on Sunday evening. All 35 delegations walked from the Burgtheater towards Vienna City Hall, where fans, press and Eurovision guests welcomed this year’s participants. The event also marked the opening of the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz. Artists arrive at the Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet Last year’s winner JJ was among the first familiar faces on the carpet. Speaking during the event, he called the moment special: “Being allowed to walk over the carpet first is really a privilege.” Later in the evening, JJ was also set to perform his winning song “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna. The opening ceremony combined glamour with live music. The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna gave the event a ceremonial feel, while the Woodstock Allstar Band welcomed each delegation with music connected to their country. According to the official Eurovision website, the Turquoise Carpet was designed as a celebration of music, culture and togetherness in the heart of Vienna. Australia’s Delta Goodrem made an elegant appearance in a golden gown. She described Eurovision as an institution and said it was special to take part in the contest’s anniversary year. “It is an honour to be here,” she said, adding: “It is an incredible experience, I am very proud to be allowed to be here.” Belgium’s Essyla was also clearly moved by the atmosphere. “So many people, everyone is smiling and happy. That is incredible,” she said. The Belgian artist, whose real name is Alice, also used the moment to send greetings to her mother. Fashion, fans and first Eurovision emotions Fashion played a major role on the carpet. Malta’s Aidan appeared in a floral rose look combined with white cowboy styling. Sweden’s Felicia stood out with a lace mask and sculptural skirt. San Marino’s Senhit arrived with Boy George, bringing another major name to the ceremony. And also the Greek Akylas has a special style. For Switzerland’s Veronica Fusaro, the event made Eurovision feel truly alive. After days of rehearsals without the full fan atmosphere, she summed up the evening simply: “Today it is so real.” Host-country representative Cosmó closed the parade for Austria. He described representing Austria as a great honour and drew extra energy from the crowd at Rathausplatz. With the artists now officially welcomed inside Vienna City Hall, Eurovision week in Vienna has begun in style. All pictures: 📷 Kal Engels, Eurovision Universe

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