He’s an Austrian-Filipino countertenor with a voice big enough to film St. Jakobshalle in Basel — and then some.

And on Thursday J.J. — full name Johannes Pietsch — was confirmed as Austria’s Eurovision 2025 singer. 

Described as “an exceptional talent” by the Austrian broadcaster ORF, he’s expected to work magic with a voice that crosses genres and touches the soul.

Stefanie Groiss Horowitz, Programme Director at ORF, said: “With him, we are sending a unique artist to Basel who brings his own magic to the Eurovision Song Contest stage, with captivating pop and classical singing.”

The official press release also teases “a rare vocal talent” and a performance that “will combine timeless artistry with contemporary energy.”

Kate Miller-Heidke incoming?

JJ has a truly international background. Born to an Austrian IT specialist father and a Filipino cook mother, he grew up in Dubai before moving to Austria in 2016 at the age of 15. He went on to compete on The Voice UK in 2021. 

The EBU-run Eurovision web site continues.

“Currently, JJ performs at the Vienna State Opera and has participated in numerous productions, including Die ZauberflöteVon der Liebe TodTschick, and many other classical masterpieces. Offstage, he continues to refine his craft by studying classical music at the renowned Music and Art Private University of Vienna (MUK) under the guidance of Univ.-Prof. Kammersängerin Linda Watson, where he is recognised as an outstanding talent in his field.”

“In 2025, JJ will represent Austria at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, combining his classical roots with a modern artistic vision. Before then, Austrian audiences will be able to get a glimpse of JJ’s talent on Friday 7 February at 21:00 CET on ORF 2, during the broadcast of the new production of Die Zauberflöte from the Vienna State Opera, where he will be the first boy on stage.”

“JJ’s song for the Basel 2025 will be presented in early March.”

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Purple Mask
Purple Mask
11 days ago

JJ is very exciting. I also just found out that Teya has written the Austria 2025 song as well, which is also very exciting.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
12 days ago

I have a question, why don’t they choose some popular singers for Eurovision, those who already have developed a career in Austria and who have a strong fan base?

PhrygesStan
PhrygesStan
13 days ago

Welcome JJ and good luck!

David Damen
David Damen
13 days ago

i will wait for the song but i am hoping for a opera ballad

Eve
Eve
13 days ago

Thank you Austria for sending somebody with such voice. Will definitely stand out among many .

Another Proud Eurofan
Another Proud Eurofan
13 days ago

If the song’s anything close to Elina Nechayeva’s La Forza, I’m rooting for him already.

Milan
Milan
13 days ago

Certainly an interesting voice, but apparently near-zero singing experience outside classical music – not only according to Wikipedia. Let’s wait for the song, but at this point it seems that Austria will tank in the semis (however fierce the competition for rock bottom is this year).

Jonas
Jonas
13 days ago
Reply to  Milan

A bit premature for such doomsday talk.

Andrew
Andrew
13 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Milan’s in their Doomsday Blue methinks

Milan
Milan
13 days ago
Reply to  Andrew

In HIS Doomsday Blue, if you please ?

Milan
Milan
13 days ago
Reply to  Milan

The question mark should have been a smiley face, sorry.

Andrew
Andrew
13 days ago
Reply to  Milan

My apologies Milan!

Milan
Milan
13 days ago
Reply to  Andrew

Acknowledged 🙂

Milan
Milan
13 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

You mean what I said for Austria or this year’s competition for rock bottom being fierce? As for the first, singing experience outside of opera is desirable for a Eurovision act, not to say a requirement, so I don’t really see how he can do well (on a brighter note, miracles do happen). As for the second, quite a lot of national finals are nothing to write home about, I’m hoping (again on a brighter note) that internal selectees will save the day.

Jonas
Jonas
13 days ago

He has talent, sure… but judging by these The Voice clips, I still much prefer the Julie Andrews and ABBA original vocals. It seems like the novelty is that he is male with a high voice. I’m not sure anybody would be as wowed with that coming from a woman. Still, that was four years ago… I’m excited to see how he has progressed.

Andrew
Andrew
13 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

I think Austria may be tapping in to Nemo’s success? He’ll need to offer us something quite different! I don’t remember him on The Voice, but then I don’t really watch The Voice. Does anyone??

Jonas
Jonas
13 days ago
Reply to  Andrew

JJ’s parents watched, I’m sure. Maybe a few more.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
13 days ago
Reply to  Andrew

It did come to mind that I felt like they’re trying to write on Nemo‘s coattails by finding another singer with a similar vocal range. Hopefully the song won’t be a code rip off.

Mico
Mico
13 days ago

Great great choice for Austria!