Austria's JJ Triumphs at Eurovision with Pop-Opera Ballad "Wasted Love"

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The Eurovision Song Contest 2022, the continent's most significant live music event, wrapped up in a glitzy finale in Basel, Switzerland. Austria's countertenor sensations, JJ, trampled over 25 other competitors to secure the win with their captivating pop-opera number, "Wasted Love."

The grand event unfolded on Saturday, pitting 26 nations against each other for the pop crown amidst entertainment, drama, and an ongoing debate over Israel's participation. In total, 37 countries sent their representatives, with 11 being eliminated through public voting in the semifinals on Tuesday and Thursday. The remaining six qualified automatically for the final.

Why the Odds Favor JJ and Sweden's Sauna Song

Predictors suggest that JJ might edge out other competitors, including KAJ from Sweden, who present a sauna-themed song entitled "Bara Bada Bastu." This upbeat ditty has found a fond place in the hearts of Eurovision enthusiasts.

Also vying for the Eurovision trophy are France's enchantress Louane with her heartfelt tribute to her mom, "maman," followed closely by the Dutch soulful singer Claude and Finland's Erika Vikman, touting their scandalous tracks, "C'est La Vie" and "Ich Komme," respectively. Estonia's Tommy Cash, a popular entertainer this week, also holds a strong contender position with his punchy "Espresso Macchiato."

However, Israel's Yuval Raphael, with the powerful anthem "New Day Will Rise," is a fan favorite. Unfortunately, her glorious performance didn't escape the wrath of protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who call for Israel to be expelled from the contest, stemming from their resentment against Israel's conduct during the war against Hamas in Gaza.

A Spectacular, Star-Studded Show

With over 160 million viewers tuning in, the contest has kept spectators glued to their screens. The event boasted an array of eclectic and baffling musical tastes, bridging genres from grunge rock (Lithuania's Katarsis) to country pop (Remember Monday from the UK).

A standout performance came from Spain's Melody with the awe-inspiring "Esa Diva," Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, who graced the stage after a 30-year hiatus, with "GAJA," and Malta's extravagant Miriana Conte, who shook the arena with her unforgettable number, "Serving," draped in a glitter ball and enormous lips.

In the spirit of unity and inclusivity, Switzerland's nonbinary sensation Nemo, opened and closed the live performances with their 2024 winning track, "The Code," and their intense new single, "Unexplainable." A face-off between two fan favorites, Baby Lasagna of Croatia, and Finland's returning rap-pop princess, Käärijä, also electrified the stage.

Though the rumored appearance by Celine Dion, a past Eurovision winner for Switzerland, failed to materialize, her boundless talent lingered in the minds of Eurovision-goers. The majestic, three-hour spectacle served as a celebration of music and diversity, ultimately ending with Austria's triumphant victory, crowned with JJ's "Wasted Love."

The Controversy Behind Israel's Participation

Once again, Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has stirred emotions, with many former participants championing for Israel's exclusion. Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests took place in Basel, albeit on a smaller scale than at last year's event in Sweden.

Amidst the tumult, the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest demonstrated the power of music and unity, transcending political boundaries and further solidifying the contest's significance in bridging Europe's musical tastes while highlighting its more contentious aspects.

As Israel's Yuval Raphael took the stage with "New Day Will Rise," her powerful performance was met with cheers, yet protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators called for Israel's exclusion from the Eurovision contest, fuelled by their resentment towards Israel's actions during the war against Hamas in Gaza.
In contrast, celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts worldwide tuned into the Eurovision Song Contest, following news about the event's grand finale featuring the likes of Käaärijä, Baby Lasagna, and Nemo, as well as the standout performances from Spain's Melody and Malta's Miriana Conte.
Meanwhile, Gaza's 'GAJA,' performed by Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, found itself among the array of genres presented during the contest, introducing a taste of Middle Eastern music to the pop-culture scene, melding seamlessly with Eurovision's tradition of promoting diversity and unity through music.