Eurovision 2025 Final Recap: Austria Emerges Victorious Amid Protests
The climax of Eurovision 2025 unfolded on May 17, 2025, showcasing a vibrant competition among 26 nations, each vying for the coveted title of Eurovision champion. Organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), this annual musical event attracts millions of viewers worldwide. The grand finale followed two semi-finals held on May 13 and May 15, where 15 and 16 countries, respectively, battled for a spot in the final.
Leading into the finale, The New York Times reported bookies’ predictions on May 16, identifying Sweden’s KAJ, Austria’s JJ, France’s Louane, the Netherlands’ Claude, and Finland’s Erika Vikman as the top five frontrunners. However, only JJ and KAJ ultimately clinched positions in the top five.
Highlight of the Night: Austria’s JJ Claims the Title
Austria’s JJ triumphed at Eurovision 2025 with his poignant ballad, “Wasted Love.” The results were dynamic, with Israel finishing in the runner-up position thanks to Yuval Raphael’s stirring performance of “New Day Will Rise.” Estonia’s Tommy Cash secured third place with his upbeat song “Espresso Macchiato.” Sweden achieved a respectable fourth with “Bara Bada Bastu” by KAJ, while Italy rounded out the top five with “Volevo Essere Un Duro” from Lucio Corsi.
Voting was extensive, encompassing both jury and public votes from all 37 participating countries. A random draw determined the host nation, Switzerland, which opened the show with last year’s winning act. The evening kicked off with an impressive flag parade, introducing the 26 finalists to the audience.
The performance lineup was enhanced by the Basel Police Brass Band and remixes of beloved Swiss tracks. The interval featured a star-studded appearance from former Swiss contestants, including Peter, Sue, and Marc, Luca Hanni, and Gjon’s Tears. Additionally, representatives from Croatia and Finland, Baby Lasagna and Kaarija, thrilled audiences with a collaborative mashup of their songs, even unveiling a new single.
After the results were revealed, an emotional moment unfolded as JJ’s younger sister rushed through security to embrace him in celebration. His family, including his 85-year-old grandfather and four-month-old niece, were present to witness his remarkable victory. This win marked Austria’s third victory in Eurovision history, following past wins in 1966 and 2014.
In his post-show comments, JJ acknowledged Conchita Wurst as a significant inspiration for his participation, celebrating the connection audiences felt with his narrative of heartbreak. Despite the weight of victory, JJ mentioned his immediate need for rest to recover from the event’s emotional and physical demands.
“What I’m trying to commit to is that there’s no wasted love. There’s so much love that we can spread around. It’s the strongest force on planet Earth,”
Contrasting the celebratory atmosphere were protests that occurred prior to the show in Basel. Demonstrators called for Israel’s withdrawal from the competition, sparking political tensions around the event. A security incident arose during Israel’s performance, where two protesters attempted to disrupt the show by rushing the stage and throwing paint, though no serious injuries were reported.
Yuval Raphael, who represented Israel and drew from her experiences during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, delivered her performance without further incident. The Israeli delegation praised her for maintaining composure amidst the disruption.
The highly anticipated Eurovision finale aired at 3 PM ET on May 17, 2025, on BBC One and remains available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.