Eurovision winner reacts to being third out LGBTQ+ champion in a row
Eurovision 2025 winner JJ. (Corinne Cumming/EBU)
Eurovision 2025 winner JJ. (Corinne Cumming/EBU)
The winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, JJ, has celebrated being the third consecutive LGBTQ+ victor of the world’s biggest music competition.
The 24-year-old singer, who represented Austria with operatic electro-pop number “Wasted Love”, walked away with the Eurovision trophy on Saturday (17 May) after receiving 436 points.
258 of those came from the professional jury votes from each of the 37 competing countries. JJ garnered 176 points in total from the public vote.
After accepting the trophy in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday JJ said “I love you all,” after thanking Europe and viewers.
Later in a press conference, as reported by ITV, he encouraged people to “Forget hate,” adding, “love is the strongest force, and be active. Use your voice.
“You’re an advocate for what you believe in, and free. Just keep on fighting for what you believe in, and spread love.”
This came after Israel, whose inclusion in the competition amid the ongoing war in Gaza caused controversy for a second year in a row, came second with 357 points, topping the public vote.
The bookies’ favourites, Sweden, placed fourth with “Bara Bada Bastu”, while the UK’s Remember Monday came in 19th.
JJ was asked about being the third LGBTQ+ winner in a row during the same press conference. He told reporters it demonstrated “amazing acceptance and equality for everyone.” He also said: “I’m so so so happy that I’m representing this amazing community.”
Switzerland’s Nemo, who is non-binary, won in 2024 and before them came Sweden’s Loreen, who is bisexual.
On Instagram on Sunday (18 May) JJ posted on his stories: “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! I’m still overwhelmed but my heart is full of gratitude and love. LOVE IS NEVER WASTED!”
He also posted videos showing his arrival back in Vienna where he was greeted by cheering crowds at the airport.
A classical singer, the Austrian-Filipino artist was one of a number of LGBTQ+ acts taking part in Eurovision this year.
He is no stranger to competition, having taken part in The Voice UK in 2020, and performing at the Vienna State Opera.
“I’ve always been surrounded by music growing up – it’s been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he told The Independent.
JJ is also the third Austrian winner following on Udo Jürgens won in 1966 with ‘Merci, Chérie (‘Thank You, Darling’)’, and Conchita Wurst in 2014 with ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’.
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