Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Second Rehearsal for Austria's ESC Hope JJ

"It's a mix of satisfaction and excitement," Austria's Eurovision Song Contest hopeful JJ describes his current state of mind to the APA.

Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Second Rehearsal for JJ

The choreography of the various countries is still a well-kept secret, with only a few photos of the first rehearsal existing. JJ stood on the big ESC stage for the first time on May 5 with his song "Wasted Love." After this first rehearsal, which was allowed to last half an hour, the second followed on Thursday, where 20 minutes had to suffice. After that, moving images of the entry are available for the first time on www.eurovision.tv. However, the opera-trained countertenor already shows himself to be experienced, even in the face of this potentially large forum: "It's a real relief now because all the hard work has paid off. Now it's just a matter of doing it the way we rehearsed."

Austria Takes New Paths at Eurovision Song Contest 2025

This year, Austria is taking new paths after a long time. JJ's choreography is not created by the domestic regular designer Marvin Dietmann, who was behind Conchita's winning performance in 2014, but by Spaniard Sergio Jaen. Last year, he choreographed one of the most controversial numbers of the Malmö competition with the Irish entry Bambi Thug. Will Austria also play the card of provocation this year? "It won't be provocative," JJ reassures delicate ESC hearts: "It's more about storytelling, very emotional, a lot with emotion. It's about contact with the audience at home - and also on site."

Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Austria Opts for Black and White Instead of Floral Kitsch

One should not expect colorful floral kitsch from JJ and his breakup ballad set in the Popera genre, quite the opposite. Red-White-Red is appearing in black and white this year. JJ stands in a dark coat in the wind on a boat, lighthouse in the background - and this is broadcast on the Song Contest screens in monochrome. "At some point, you forget you're watching the ESC because it looks like a short film," JJ outlines the concept. However, the whole thing should not become cold: "It's mainly about people feeling the full emotion."

Speaking of cold or ESC fever: JJ stands in the wind while a drop of water or two is sprayed on stage. Should empathetic ESC fans worry about JJ's health holding up until the 2nd semi-final on May 15 - or of course until the performance in the final on May 17? "Well, I don't go under like in the music video, but it does get wet on stage," JJ keeps the excitement high.

(APA/Red)

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