ESC winner JJ: His tips for ESC fans in Vienna

Johannes Pietsch (24), artist name JJ, won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel in mid -May for Austria. With “Back to Forgetting” the successor single of his winning song will be released this Friday (September 5). “The pressure is of course very large because people expect a cool number that may surpass the ESC song,” says JJ in an interview with Spot on News. “But I can handle it well because I know that the fans are already looking forward to something new and I can let off steam in my artistic self.”

The song is a little pop as “Wasted Love” and shows a new page from him, explains the singer, who attended the Opera School of the Vienna State Opera and studies solo singing today. “Of course I don’t miss my countertenor voice in some passages, but brings something new to light with my pop voice.”

One of the most beautiful moments after the ESC victory in Basel was the gold award for “Wasted Love” in Austria, JJ looks back on the past few months. “And as if that hadn’t been enough, on the same day I was allowed to [Auszeichnung der Stadt Wien, Anm.d.Red.] Accept – a very special day for me! “

For him, the appearance at the Pride in Vienna was also unforgettable. “When I kept the microphone to the side and the audience continued to sing the lines of my song – that was very overwhelming and I was incredibly touched!” So many big highlights happened this year “and I am incredibly happy to be able to share these moments with my family, friends and fans”. He always makes him great pleasure when he meets fans and take photos with them and exchange ideas. “I am incredibly grateful to my fans for all the support.”

He also received support before and after the music competition from Austria’s ESC winner from 2014, Conchita Wurst aka Tom Neuwirth (36). “Conchita accompanied and supported me everywhere – even after the ESC. I am very pleased that I have a ‘mentor’ with her who accompanies me and with which I can share the experiences.”

His ESC victory and international attention have not thrown the singer off track. “Sometimes it can be a lot, but I wasn’t overwhelmed.” He further adds: “I have a great team that looks at me and knows when a little too much can be for me. Of course everything was very overwhelming for me and it will take a little time until I really realized everything. So I enjoy the time and look forward to everything that is coming.”

The choice for the upcoming ESC fell on Vienna last August, the hometown of JJ. “I couldn’t sleep on the evening before excitement,” he looks back at the decision. “I trembled and waited for the result. When I resolved, I was very happy and jumped up full of ecstasy and called everyone to celebrate with them!” Vienna already demonstrated in 2015 that “the city is the perfect host for the ESC. Vienna has so much to offer (culture, history, etc.) and many beautiful public places to celebrate.”

As a tip for the ESC fans who will visit Vienna, JJ gives them on the way: “Don’t buy a subway ticket, walk through the city! Vienna is such a beautiful city and you fall in love immediately! My favorite route is: The Mariahilfer Straße goes down to the museum district above the Volkstheater through the garden from Zwidemu to the city center.”

To what extent he will be involved in the ESC 2026, the singer still leaves open: “I am not yet allowed to reveal much, but I’m very happy to be there at the ESC 2026 and celebrate a great show in a beautiful city!” And what about his ESC succession? “I have no concrete favorite or a favorite. Austria has a lot of talent and many great musicians, so I’m really looking forward to the person who will be my successor or my successor.”