The Boat & The Ballad: Rewriting the rules of spectacle at Eurovision.

In a contest famed for its glittering bombast and high-octane theatrics, Austria’s JJ chose a quieter path, and won. His performance of Wasted Love at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest captivated both juries and audiences not with scale, but with precision, poignancy, and a commitment to creative contradiction. Here are some of my takeaways and thoughts as I studied how the most artistically daring entry triumphed, over the year’s Spotify blockbusters and TikTok viral hits.

The Power of Contrast: JJ’s entry was a masterclass in unexpected dualities. What began as a haunting operatic ballad daringly transformed into a pulsing techno anthem. The pairing of countertenor vocals with industrial beats created a soundscape that felt both timeless and future-forward. Additionally, the staging was shot entirely in black and white, the visual tone stood in stark contrast to the LED-saturated storm of colour that was the rest of the show. In a sea of spectacle, Austria’s restraint lingered longer.

Metaphor in Motion: Staging played its part with poetic clarity. A fragile boat made of books and trunks, relics of a past life, became JJ’s stage as he drifted through stormy seas in search of safe harbour. No dancers, no fireworks. Just one artist in isolation, desperately hanging on. It was a powerful metaphor for heartbreak, and the human need for refuge. One I’m sure just about everyone watching could relate to, regardless of language or background.

Out of step, and all the better for it: In a year dominated by innovative, maximalist production, Austria’s pared-back presence cut through. Apart from the vocals and lyrics being emotionally resonant, the staging and camera work was visually distinct. The unwavering creative vision, executed with quiet boldness, led Austria to its third Eurovision win.

What Creatives Can Learn: Austria & JJ’s victory reminds us that creative impact doesn’t require more. It requires clarity, conviction, and the courage to counter prevailing trends. In a world obsessed with virality and picture-perfect prevention and shiny gloss, it’s the work that dares to be vulnerable, and different, that truly connects.

Congratulations JJ, for showing us that sometimes, the bravest thing an artist can do is step into the unknown, on nothing but a boat built of craft and daring.

Now, onwards to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.