PRAGUE, CZ – Filipino-Austrian artist, Johannes Pietsch known professionally as ‘JJ’ won the latest Eurovision Song Contest with his ballad song ‘Wasted Love’, representing Austria. The votes were casted and verified and JJ scored with a total of 436 points.
The Eurovision Song Contest is organized each year by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in collaboration with 37 Host Broadcasters. The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 took place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, on Saturday, 17 May.
In an interview with ELLE On The Go With GINTA, JJ opened up about the meaning behind his winning song, “Wasted Love.” He revealed that the track is inspired by a deeply personal experience of unrequited love, giving his all emotionally, only to receive nothing in return. “I believed that if I just gave more love, something would eventually come back,” he shared. “But in the end, I realized I had poured so much of myself into something that gave nothing back. I truly wasted so much of my love.”
JJ was born in Vienna to an Austrian father and a Filipina mother. When he was still a baby, the family moved to Dubai, where he spent 15 years and enjoyed his childhood. In 2016, they returned to Vienna. He remembers the karaoke parties they often had at home in Dubai, moments that first sparked his love for music. JJ speaks German, English, and Tagalog, as well as a bit of Arabic.
Israel came in second with 357 points, just ahead of Estonia, which took third place with 356 points.
Many Eurovision artists have gone on to become very successful. One of the best-known examples is ABBA, who won for Sweden in 1974 with their song “Waterloo.” The win made them famous around the world. “Waterloo” sold over five million copies, and ABBA has sold about 380 million albums and singles since then.
We are so proud of you, JJ! Mabuhay ka!
