**Eurovision 2025: Austria Claims Victory in a Dramatic Finale**

In a remarkable display of talent and emotion, the Austrian counter-tenor JJ wins Eurovision 2025 with his song "Wasted Love," sending ripples through the musical scene as the UK faces another disappointing result.

Austrian singer JJ, who is a counter-tenor at the prestigious Vienna State Opera, has emerged victorious at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland. The exhilarating competition saw JJ secure the top spot with his powerful electro-ballad "Wasted Love," emphasizing the complexities of unrequited love. His victory was sealed in a heartbeat as he amassed an impressive 436 points, pivoting from behind Israel, which had been leading with 357 points, and Estonia, holding third place with 356.

Expressing his gratitude and elation, JJ, 24, stated, "Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. Love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love." His victory marked Austria's third win, following previous triumphs by Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014, both artists offering inspiration to JJ as a performer.

During the contest, Britain's entry, the girl group Remember Monday, finished a disappointing 19th with 88 points, facing zero from the public vote for the second consecutive year. Despite their creative performance, which included an homage to Bucks Fizz's iconic skirt-shedding moment, the UK struggled to resonate with viewers once again.

However, the competition was not devoid of drama. Protests arose against Israel's participation over its geopolitical conflicts, leading to interruptions during the performance by representative Yuval Raphael. Despite the disruptions, Raphael delivered an emotional rendition of "New Day Will Rise," shaped by her personal experiences, notably as a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Eurovision 2025 showcased a splendid array of performances, characterized by vibrant visuals, intricate narratives, and unabashed flamboyance. Finnish singer Erika Vikman captivated audiences with her euphoric anthem "Ich Komme," which concluded with a striking display of pyrotechnics. Other highlights included Tommy Cash's quirky entry "Espresso Macchiato" and French singer Louane's heart-wrenching homage to her late mother, which garnered a seventh-place finish.

Ultimately, the night culminated in an electrifying closing act as Austria's JJ, with his haunting black-and-white performance aboard a rickety boat, enchanted audiences, echoing his sentiments on love and dedication. Following the europhoric finish, JJ humorously remarked about his plans to celebrate, stating, "Honestly, I need to sleep now. I'm tired." The event was not only a showcase of musical talent but also a reflection of poignant contemporary issues, from migration to environmental challenges, blending entertainment with impactful narratives that resonate beyond the stage.