Austrian counter-tenor JJ captured the Eurovision crown with his emotional performance of "Wasted Love," a song that encapsulates the pain of unrequited affection, earning him 436 points. Just behind him was Israel's Yuval Raphael, who delivered her moving song "New Day Will Rise" amid protests regarding her country's military actions. Austria's win marks its third Eurovision triumph, previously highlighted by Udo Jürgens' 1966 victory and Conchita Wurst's 2014 win.
Despite the fanfare, the UK's girl group, Remember Monday, faced disappointment with a 19th place finish, receiving 88 points. The voting revealed a chaotic landscape, where multiple countries gained maximum points from juries—yet public voting proved pivotal. As controversy surrounded Israel's participation, a stunning array of performances tackled a variety of themes, showcasing Eurovision's blend of glamorous spectacle and poignant messages.
JJ expressed his gratitude during the event, emphasizing love as the ultimate force of human connection. The swirling drama of this year's contest has set the stage for future competitions while highlighting the diverse stories each artist brings to the global stage.
