JJ Wins 69th Eurovision Song Contest Amid Controversy
Basel, Switzerland – Austria’s countertenor JJ triumphed at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with his operatic ballad “Wasted Love,” captivating a global audience of approximately 160 million. In a competition marked by the ongoing Gaza conflict, competitors showcased a diverse array of musical styles, from electropop to grunge rock, celebrated with vibrant performances.
JJ outshone 25 rivals, securing first place, while Israel’s Yuval Raphael took second with his performance. Estonia’s Tommy Cash came in third with “Espresso Macchiato,” and Sweden’s KAJ, initially favored with their catchy sauna homage “Bara Bada Bastu,” rounded out the top four.
The contest featured acts from 26 countries, each given three minutes to impress viewers and national juries comprised of music professionals. This year’s performances highlighted a shift towards musical authenticity and diversity, with entries sung in 20 different languages. Dean Vuletic, Eurovision historian, noted that the traditional formula of catchy pop has evolved, emphasizing the need for memorable and authentic presentations.
Despite the celebration of music, the event was shadowed by protests concerning Israel’s participation. Calls for Israel’s exclusion intensified, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators marching through Basel, chanting for a boycott. Conversely, supporters of Raphael rallied in defense of Jewish presence in public life.
Eurovision’s director, Martin Green, emphasized the aim of cultivating unity and respect amidst challenging times. In a move to enhance inclusivity and neutrality, the European Broadcasting Union updated its code of conduct allowing audience members to display various flags, yet restricting performers to their national symbols only.
As the curtain fell on this year’s competition, the clash of culture and music echoed through Basel, a reminder of Eurovision’s role as both a festival of talent and a stage for broader societal issues.
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