The Eurovision Song Contest 2025, held in neutral Switzerland’s Basel, concluded with Austria’s JJ winning the coveted title with the song “Wasted Love”. The event, marked by a record-breaking audience and intense political undercurrents, saw Israel’s entry spark a rare moment of pan-European unity despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This year’s contest combined musical excellence with a complex backdrop of conflict and controversy, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent history.
Eurovision 2025 Overview: Neutral Switzerland Hosts a Historic Contest
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest took place on May 17 at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle, hosted by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR). The event was themed “United By Music”, symbolizing a desire for harmony amid a fractured Europe. The contest featured 37 participating countries, with 26 finalists competing for the grand prize. Hosted by Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker, and Sandra Studer, the show attracted a staggering 47.7% viewing share, the highest in over two decades, underscoring Eurovision’s enduring popularity.
Austria’s Triumphant Win: “Wasted Love” Captivates Juries and Public
Austria’s JJ (Johannes Pietsch) secured the win with “Wasted Love”, a dramatic operatic ballad fused with techno elements, staged on a symbolic storm-tossed ship. Austria amassed 436 points, with a commanding 258 points from national juries and 178 from televoting. This marks Austria’s third Eurovision victory, following wins in 1966 and 20141.
Voting Breakdown and Close Competition
- Austria led the jury vote decisively but ranked 4th in the public televote.
- Israel’s Yuval Raphael, performing “New Day Will Rise”, won the public vote with 297 points but received only 60 jury points, finishing second overall with 357 points.
- Estonia closely followed in third place with 356 points, showcasing a tight race.
- The top three countries were separated by just 80 points, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s contest.
Israel’s Powerful Performance and Pan-European Unity
Israel’s entry stood out for its multilingual piano ballad, sung in Hebrew, French, and English, resonating deeply with viewers across Europe. Despite the political tensions surrounding Israel due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since October 2023, Yuval Raphael’s performance briefly united audiences, as reflected by Israel’s overwhelming televote support.
Public and Jury Voting Contrast
Israel’s dominance in the public vote contrasted sharply with its low jury score, sparking debate about the influence of politics on jury decisions. The televote’s overwhelming support for Israel marked the highest public score of the contest, underscoring the song’s emotional impact on viewers.
Political Tensions and Controversies Overshadow the Contest
The 2025 Eurovision was marred by political controversies linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Pro-Palestinian protests erupted outside the venue during Israel’s performance, with two protesters disrupting the live act, leaving Yuval Raphael visibly shaken. Over 70 former Eurovision contestants signed an open letter calling for Israel’s exclusion from future contests.
Statements from Key Figures
- JJ (Austria’s Winner): Expressed disappointment over Israel’s participation and publicly urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026, which Austria will host.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: Supported Israel’s exclusion, citing the precedent of Russia’s ban following its invasion of Ukraine.
- Spanish Broadcaster RTVE: Called for a review of the voting system after Spain awarded Israel maximum points despite political tensions, raising concerns about potential political influence in voting.
Diverse Musical Showcase and Notable Highlights
The 2025 contest featured a record number of entries performed in native languages, the most linguistically diverse since 1999. The show opened with the 2024 winner Nemo performing “The Code”, and included interval acts by former Swiss Eurovision participants and a mashup by recent Croatian and Finnish entrants.
Other Noteworthy Incidents
- Malta’s entry faced controversy over its lyrics, resulting in a reworked version of the song “Kant”.
- The United Kingdom avoided the infamous “nul points” but scored a modest 88 points, reflecting ongoing challenges in the contest.
Final Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Country | Artist | Song | Total Points | Jury Points | Televote Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austria | JJ | Wasted Love | 436 | 258 | 178 |
| 2 | Israel | Yuval Raphael | New Day Will Rise | 357 | 60 | 297 |
| 3 | Estonia | Tommy Cash | Espresso Macchiato | 356 | 98 | 258 |
| 4 | Sweden | — | — | 321 | 126 | 195 |
| 5 | Italy | — | — | 256 | 159 | 97 |
| 6 | Greece | — | — | 231 | 105 | 126 |
| 7 | France | — | — | 230 | 180 | 50 |
| 8 | Albania | — | — | 218 | 45 | 173 |
| 9 | Ukraine | — | — | 218 | 60 | 158 |
| 10 | Switzerland | — | — | 214 | 214 | 0 |
Eurovision 2025 in Switzerland was a landmark event that combined musical artistry with the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. Austria’s victory with “Wasted Love” was celebrated as a triumph of musical innovation and jury acclaim, while Israel’s “New Day Will Rise” captured the hearts of the European public, symbolizing a fleeting moment of unity amid division.
The contest underscored Eurovision’s unique role as both a cultural celebration and a platform where political realities inevitably intersect with art. As Austria prepares to host Eurovision 2026, the future participation of Israel remains uncertain, with calls for exclusion intensifying.
