The 69th Eurovision Song Contest concluded on Saturday in Basel, Switzerland, with Austria’s classically trained countertenor JJ triumphing with his operatic entry “Wasted Love.” Israel’s Yuval Raphael secured the second place amidst heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The event, noted as the world’s largest live music spectacle, featured a vibrant final showcasing a mix of genres, including electropop, quirky rock, and flamboyant performances, despite protests over Israel’s involvement.
JJ’s victory came as he outperformed 25 other finalists, with Estonia’s Tommy Cash finishing third with “Espresso Macchiato,” while Sweden’s KAJ, touted as a favourite, placed fourth with “Bara Bada Bastu.” The grand final captivated around 160 million viewers, showcasing acts from 26 countries which had been filtered down from an initial 37 entrants through two semi-finals.
The show was an extravagant display of musical diversity, featuring genres that ranged from Lithuania’s grunge rock to Ukraine’s prog rock. Notable performances included Italy’s homage to 1970s glam rock by Lucio Corsi and Latvia’s Tautumeitas, who impressed with their harmonic arrangements. Several artists, including Spain’s Melody and Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, contributed to the lineup of strong vocalists.
Historically, Eurovision focused on catchy pop tunes, mainly in English, but experts suggest a shift towards more diverse and authentic musical expressions in recent years. This year’s entries encompassed songs in various languages, including Ukrainian and Icelandic.
However, political tensions marred the contest, echoed by protests from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups in Basel. Calls for Israel’s exclusion from the competition resurfaced, although rallies were smaller compared to the previous year’s protests in Sweden. Supporters of Israel also gathered to express their views, reinforcing the message that Eurovision should be a celebration of music rather than a platform for political strife.
This year, the European Broadcasting Union reinforced its code of conduct, emphasising values of universality and inclusivity, aiming to uphold a politically neutral environment during the celebration. Eurovision organisers expressed their commitment to fostering unity during these challenging times and acknowledged the exemplary conduct of all participating delegations.
Ultimately, JJ’s victory and the eclectic performances highlighted the contest’s ability to bring together a diverse range of musical talent, underlining its enduring relevance in a world facing significant discord.