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Musical roots: Austria's JJ opens up on Eurovision 2025 win, dream collaborators and what comes next

Euronews Culture sat down with JJ, Austria’s Eurovision 2025 winner to talk about life since his triumphant performance, his genre-blending high pitched singing voice and what he’s planning to do next.

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What do you get when you combine the soaring soprano stylings of Maria Callas, the drama of ‘90s divas like Celine and Whitney, and the bass-heavy, brat-pop chaos of Charli XCX?
You get a winning Eurovision song.

JJ, Austria’s newly crowned champion of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, brought all of that and more with his electrifying song “Wasted Love”. Euronews Culture caught up with the rising star to unpack the whirlwind of the final – from early morning rehearsals to the surreal moment his name was announced as the winner.
The 24-year-old singer also reflects on his musical upbringing between karaoke nights and classical symphonies, and shares what’s next for his music career now that the trophy is his.

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Austria’s Eurovision winner JJ calls for Israel to be banned from contestSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calls for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision over Gaza warJJ from Austria reacts as he arrives on stage for the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Credit: AP Photo

Euronews Culture: So, JJ, first of all, how are you? How have things been?

JJ: Yeah good. Very busy. I’ve been traveling around a lot, but I’m enjoying every moment. It’s so fun.
Please walk us through the day of your Eurovision win, from waking up to taking home the trophy.
So I woke up, I think, around 7:30 because we had to leave at 8 to head to the arena. Once we got there, we did a bit of press, then hair and makeup, and had a rehearsal in one of the vocal warm-up rooms. We went through the song once or twice – kind of like a performance run-through, including how I would move on stage. Then we had the family show, which I think started at 1 PM. That was basically the dress rehearsal for the evening show. It was fun, and the crowd was already wild. They were so loud – it was just an insane feeling.
We also rehearsed the flag parade, and then I got to perform. While I was sitting there, I just thought, “Okay, you just have to perform now. Tonight, soak in the moment, because this is the last time you’re going to be on that stage.” And yeah, it was so fun. I could really feel the energy of the crowd. After I came off stage, we did a bit more press – lots of interviews and TikToks and things like that. Then I took a one-hour nap because I needed some rest. Then it was the same thing again: waking up, having what I’d call a late lunch or early dinner, vocal warm-up, and then the show started. It became a routine by then – my semi-final was on Thursday, so I had the same schedule from Thursday to Saturday.

During the final I thought I felt really present, but looking back now, it all feels like a blur because everything happened so fast – I didn’t even have time to process it. When I finally had a bit of downtime before my nap, that’s when I could actually reflect on what just happened. But overall, it was such a fun experience. And the more I think back, the more memories come up. I’ll be like, “Oh yeah, that happened too.”
How did it feel when your name was announced as the winner?
That was just crazy. We’d been there all day, and the three-hour show felt so long. I was really glad I performed early because then I could just watch my friends and cheer them on. But the waiting part felt endless.
When they finally announced “178,” my team and I were freaking out. There’s a video on social media where you can see them flinging me around like I was a fidget toy before pushing me toward the stage. It was all such a blur – so much happened at once. I was full of adrenaline and emotion – I felt every emotion you could think of. And yeah, I was just constantly sobbing.JJ from Austria performs the song “Wasted Love” during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday, 17 May 2025.
Credit: AP Photo

What did you do the night after winning?
I performed again, then had to stay on stage for more interviews and official portraits. After that, we went to the press conference at the media center in Basel. I got back to the hotel at 3:30 AM, where I saw my sister and all the other delegations. We had a huge party in the hotel lobby until about 6 AM. So yeah, it was a long night!
Where is the trophy going to go?
Good question – I have no idea yet. So far, it’s just been in my room. But I think we have a glass cabinet in the living room where we keep my grandmother’s trophies. I think we’ll just make space and put it next to hers. It’s really heavy, and I don’t have a suitcase for it, so I have to be careful. I don’t want a NEMO experience – you know, they had a rough time with theirs breaking.
Tell us a bit about your musical background. Can you remember when you first fell in love with music?
That was in Dubai, where I grew up. We had karaoke parties every weekend at home – my family would invite friends and relatives. The first karaoke song I learned was “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson.
Big song…
Yeah, crazy, right? For a six-year-old to try and learn that! But it was fun. That was the first time I consciously learned a song. Then the next morning, my dad showed my siblings and me Beethoven – his symphonies – as well as Bach and Mozart. That’s when my love for classical music began to grow too. So I basically grew up between both musical worlds, and my love for it just kept expanding.
Any other influences that inspire you most?
Yeah – Mariah Carey was a big influence. But really, the ’90s divas – Celine, Whitney – they were a huge part of my life. My older sister and my mom loved listening to them, so I got a lot of inspiration through them.
And I also listened to the radio a lot. I loved Ariana Grande too. So I’d say I’m a mix. And now, especially with the electronic side, my love for Charli XCX has grown even more -especially with her brat album.
How did the operatic style come in? Did you learn that formally at school, or…?
After going through puberty, I realised that I still had a high singing voice, and I thought it would be a cool party trick to imitate a soprano – like, “Let’s just sing high notes!” So. I started teaching myself by listening to audio recordings of Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballé on YouTube. Since I love imitating voices and sounds, I tried to recreate how they projected their voices. That’s how I started learning to sing classically. Later, I got into university and began studying professional vocal technique.

So your winning-song “Wasted Love” – it obviously starts as an operatic ballad and then takes off into techno banger. When you were writing the song, how did that idea come about? Did you always know you wanted to end it like that?
So it was the three of us in the studio – Tayah, the songwriter; Thomas, the producer; and I. And we’d never worked together before, so this was our first time. They didn’t have any experience with classical music, and it was also my first time in a recording studio. So we just let our creative minds flow. We knew we wanted to switch things up – we wanted something that would, you know, gag the people.
Then our producer, Thomas, was like, “What about techno?” And Tay and I were like, “Okay, we’ll see.” We took a quick bathroom break, and while we were gone, he’d already added some EDM/techno elements. When we came back, he was like, “Guys, I did something.” And then he played it for us – and we were like, “Wow. This slaps.” And from that day on, we just kept it.
How has life been since winning?
Yeah, it’s been very fun – pretty busy, because I’ve been traveling a lot. But I love being in different places, meeting new people – especially with my amazing team. I honestly can’t complain. I have the best people behind me, so I’m really happy about that.
I do get recognised a lot more. And sometimes, you know, when we’re in a rush, I want to take a picture with people, but then I have to start running again. So it’s a bit stressful in that sense – but it’s fun. It’s nice being recognised.
So what’s next for you? What have you got going on – tour, album?
Yeah! So after the whole European press and promotion tour, I’m heading right back into the studio once I get home to make new music – because that’s what everyone is very excited for. I’m so looking forward to it. I love being in the studio and experimenting a bit. We’ve got enough time, and we’re gonna let Wasted Love have its well-deserved moment. And while that’s still riding its wave, I’ll be back in the studio working on what’s next.
And where do you see your sound going?
I’ll definitely keep my operatic sound – that’s my USP, that’s what people know me for. I want to hold on to my musical beginnings.But we’ll see how commercial we can go – or what other experimental switch-ups might fit with that operatic sound. But I’m definitely keeping the high notes.
If you could team up with anyone – your dream collab – who’s top of your list?
Obviously, Ariana Grande. But I’d also love to work with Charli XCX. That would be insane.

2025-09-18
Canada Intervenes to Halt Air Canada Strike Threatening 100,000 Travelers
Air Canada’s 10,000 Flight Attendants Are Back in the Sky—After a Canadian Government Power‑Play

What Happened?

On Saturday, a sudden work stoppage left more than 100,000 travellers scrambling for answers. The Canadian government stepped in—pushing the airlines into arbitration, and now the 10,000 flight attendants are back on duty.

Why the Shake‑Up?
- A huge number of travelers were stranded and frustrated—think “flight fumbles” and “double‑booking disasters.”
- The government demanded a compromise, landing the fights on a mediator’s desk.
- The workers decided to return to the job board, and the planes are ready to take off again.
What This Means for Passengers

Flights will resume soon, and if you’re planning a trip, buckle up—literally. The skies are clearing, and the airline crew is revving back up to lift you home.

Air Canada’s Game‑Changing Strike: How the Govt Pulled the Strings

A frantic summer weekend saw more than 100,000 travellers stuck in airport limbo as Air Canada went on strike. Canada’s federal government decided it was time for the “real deal” – pushing flight attendants back to the skies and nailing the dispute with a trip to arbitration.

Why the Government Had to Make a Move

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu rolled out the big announcement: “We can’t afford to gamble with the economy now.” That means the 10,000 flight attendants will be back in action, at least until the arbitration process gets moving.
- The talks had hit a wall—no light at the end of the tunnel.
- The airline and union couldn’t agree on a threshold to keep the pilots in the cabin.
- Government-appointed arbitrator to step in and bring the debate to a finish line.
What Really Happened on the 13th

Air Canada’s biggest blunder rang out just before anyone could say “Happy hour”: the “largest airline shutdown” left roughly 130,000 people a day in a state of suspended disbelief.
- Over 25,000 Canadians now stranded—no flight, no plan, no good coffee.
- Daily operations? Air Canada’s ≈700 flights just stopped turning the runways into a black hole.
Why a strike? The union management standoff felt like a tug‑of‑war over budget, perks, and flying hours. The union rejected an offer that would have put a government‑led arbitrator in the middle and, in turn, would have stripped the union of its “right to strike.”

What That Means for the Future

For the arbitrator to kick things into gear, it might take anywhere from days to weeks—the final countdown is in the hands of the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

With the day‑to‑day service a slow leak, the airline can only bring the chaos to a halt by forging a new contract that cannot be blocked by a striking crew. It’s a classic “difficult choices” story: either you keep flying or you shut down and rebuild.

Takeaway

In a nutshell, the government pulled a heavy reshuffle to get Air Canada off the ground again. For the travellers stuck in the airport jigsaw, a game‑changing resolution will depend on how fast the arbitrator comes on board and how long it takes the airline and union to crack the contract puzzle. Until then—keep your boarding passes handy, you never know when a flight might re-n your day.

Sides are far apart on pay

Air Canada’s Pay Talks Leave Passengers Feeling Stuck in a No‑Fly Zone

When the plane? The airline? You better pack a spare set of tickets! 21‑year‑old globetrotter Alex Laroche is staring down a new price tag that could double his original $3,000 flight deal. With most seats barely half‑full, the few that remain are priced higher than the goodies he already paid for.

Alex’s Mix‑Mazed Dilemma
- Double the Cost: New flights are cheaper than those walled‑off airliners, yet the price slams almost twice Alex’s original spend.
- Nearly Full: Availability is a flop – nine flights out of ten are already sold.
- Travel Anxiety: He wants to keep his itinerary intact, but he’s stuck in a limbo of uncertain deadlines.
The Strike That Rocked the Skies

Air Canada and CUPE have been locked in negotiation fireworks for what feels like a holiday weekend of eight months, and a “tentative deal” still looks like it lives with a black hole called “infinite delay.” The core battleground? Wages, and the unpaid hustle that flight attendants do when the plane is chilling on the tarmac.

A Call for Fairness

“Their wage is barely livable,” cried Alex, and someone named Natasha Stea joined in, pointing out that Canada’s flight crews, which are about 70 % women, should be the “best compensated in Canada.” Yet pilots, who’re predominantly male, enjoyed a sizable raise last year.

Key Points the Union Loves to Highlight
- 38% Hike (Four‑Year Cushion): Air Canada’s latest offer boasted a robust pay lift – mix of salary, benefits, and pension.
- 8% First‑Year Raise: Union cried, “It’s not enough; inflation ain’t talkin’.” They want a larger bump until the rising cost of living takes over.
- Zero Free Flights: “We cannot work for free” – they shouted the bottom line: they need a paycheck to keep the skies flying fast and safe.
Bottom Line

With the airline’s offer on the table and no final verdict, passengers like Alex are left in the “black hole of uncertainty” – or, you know, the waiting basket that follows the T‑bill flight.
2025-08-27
EU and Greece Urge Libya to Curb Booming Mediterranean Migrant Crossings
What the 2021 Numbers Really Say

From a Quiet Start to a Flooding Tide

In 2021, the UN refugee agency reported that 32,400 refugees and migrants made the perilous journey from Libya to Europe—more than double what happened in the previous year.

Quick Snapshot
- 2020: Roughly 15,000 crossings
- 2021: 32,400 crossings—over twice the 2020 count
Why the Numbers Tripled

Picture a traffic light turning from green to red dramatically overnight. The world was still grappling with a pandemic, borders were tightening, and suddenly people had more reason than ever to make the dangerous trip.

Feeling the Human Beat

These aren’t just statistics. Each number represents a story—a moment of hope, fear, and sheer determination. The double jump in crossings reminds us that humanitarian challenges don’t pause, even when the world gets messy.

EU Commissioner Brunner Targets Libya with a “Firm” Plan

After a sharp rise in illegal crossings across the Mediterranean, the European Union’s migration chief, Magnus Brunner, is switching gears and demanding hard‑earned solutions from Libyan authorities.

The Dead‑Fall Strategy
- Urgent Mission – Brunner will head to Libya next week alongside top officials from Greece, Italy, and Malta.
- Double‑Edged Diplomacy – He plans to sit down with both the UN‑backed government in the west and the rival faction in the east.
- Fast & Firm Approach – “We have to be quick, we have to be firm,” Brunner told a summit in Athens. “Libya is a top‑priority.”
- Stop the Boats – The goal: push Libyan authorities to curb the smuggling infrastructure that feeds migrants to Europe.
Why This Matters

With more refugees seeking a new life across the sea, European leaders are feeling the pressure. Brunner’s upcoming trip isn’t just a diplomatic walk‑through—it’s a high‑stakes showdown aimed at shutting down the lifelines that smugglers rely on.

The Talk with Greek Prime Minister

During a conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Brunner explained that the delegate’s presence in Libya will be “fast, firm” and that they’re ready to negotiate directly with officials who hold power on both sides of the country.

As the EU tightens its grip on the Mediterranean corridor, all eyes are on Libya to see if that “firm” stance will finally break the curse of endless illegal crossings.

Greek Navy Mobilizes: A Show of Force Amid Libya’s Sea‑Crossing Storm

Greece’s latest move—deploying warships beyond Libyan waters—aims to make smugglers think twice about their next run across the Mediterranean. The archipelago’s southern island of Crete has suddenly become the flashy new hotspot for migrants leaving Libya, a route that’s way riskier and, frankly, more dramatic than the tried‑and‑true passage that snakes between Turkey and the Greek islands.

What’s the backstory?
- Libya’s political chaos: for years, two rival administrations—the east and the west—have fought to control the country, each backed by armed factions and foreign powers.
- Danger on the waves: Libya is the go‑to launchpad for perilous sea crossings to Europe, and refugees often face brutal human‑rights violations—torture, abduction, and more.
Tragedy at the Sea

Back in 2023, a fateful incident took place when the fishing trawler Adriana—carrying migrants heading to Italy—sank off the Greek coast, claiming hundreds of lives. It’s a grim reminder that the sea isn’t just a route; it’s a deadly arena for those daring to cross.

Numbers That Hit the Bottom Line
- The UNHCR reports that, in 2021, a whopping 32,400 refugees and migrants crossed from Libya to Europe—a jump of more than double the 2020 figures.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently put forward a bold plan: increase Frontex’s manpower by 30,000 staff. That could seriously pump up the EU’s border‑watching game.
Bottom line: A need for action

Between the looming migration surge, the risk‑laced sea routes, and the political infighting in Libya, Greece’s navy swell is more than a statement—it’s a move to protect thousands of lives and keep the region safer.
2025-03-26