JJ

Early Life

Johannes Pietsch, known by his stage name JJ, was born on April 29, 2001, in Vienna, Austria, to an Austrian father and a Filipino mother. His early years were spent in Dubai, where he was immersed in a rich cultural environment that introduced him to both pop music through family karaoke parties and opera through his father's influence. This unique blend of experiences laid the foundation for his distinctive pop-opera style. In 2016, the family returned to Vienna, where JJ continued to develop his musical talents.

Career

JJ's musical journey took a significant turn in 2020 when he participated in the ninth series of The Voice UK, where he advanced to the Knockouts under the mentorship of will.i.am. The following year, he competed in the fifth season of Starmania, reaching the first final show. His dedication to music led him to attend the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, following his time at the opera school of the Vienna State Opera.

In 2025, JJ achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Austria with his song "Wasted Love," which he co-wrote. This victory marked him as the first Eurovision winner of Southeast Asian descent and the first solo winner born in the 21st century. His performance garnered a total of 436 points, with a significant lead in the jury vote. Following his win, he received accolades for his outstanding vocals and innovative mashup with Conchita Wurst.

Personal Life

Beyond his musical achievements, JJ is an advocate for the queer community in Austria, openly identifying as queer and expressing his desire to be a voice for others. He is multilingual, speaking German, English, and Tagalog, and has shared insights into his personal life, including his relationship with his boyfriend. JJ's candidness extends to his views on Eurovision, where he expressed disappointment over Israel's participation, advocating for a more inclusive event in the future.