ESC Winner JJ Awarded with Golden Vienna City Hall Man
The decision on who receives the honor lies solely with him, without being bound to suggestions. Other ESC winners from Austria, Udo Jürgens and Conchita Wurst, have already been awarded the Golden Vienna City Hall Man. JJ, a native of Vienna, graduated there and is currently a student at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna, is described by Ludwig as a "great artistic business card to the whole world."
ESC 2026 in Vienna? Mayor Ludwig "very confident"
Ludwig would be pleased if ORF chose the federal capital as the venue for the ESC 2026. An 80-page application document was submitted a few weeks ago. "We already proved in 2015 that we can do it. Many believed at the time that it was one of the best Song Contests ever," said the mayor and expressed being "very confident" that it could be repeated next year.
Hosting comes with costs. "We know that it is a high investment that would be required from the city. But we expect a large indirect profitability and high advertising effect - not only for Vienna but for all federal states," said Ludwig in conversation with APA. Already in 2015, images from all federal states were sent out to the world. "All of Austria would benefit if an internationally known location like Vienna sends images to the world."
ESC winner JJ advocates for Song Contest 2026 in Vienna
JJ accepted the Golden Vienna Rathausmann visibly pleased. He described it as a "great honor" and took the opportunity to once again advocate for hosting the ESC in Vienna. "Vienna has so much to offer," said the 24-year-old. But he would of course also travel to the west of Austria, he chuckled in the APA interview: "Innsbruck is also a beautiful city." He definitely wants to perform at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. That is already in planning, he said.
At the end of May, JJ made waves in an interview with a Spanish medium, as he spoke out against Israel's participation in the next ESC and drew a comparison to Russia, which is excluded as an aggressor. Later, JJ backtracked and apologized. His words had been misunderstood. He also showed a conciliatory attitude on Tuesday: "I am incredibly happy for everyone who is allowed to participate. It is a huge experience and milestone in every career." "He has retracted that," Ludwig also saw no reason to continue the discussion. "He is a young man who should be judged based on his artistic achievements."
New Music from ESC Winner JJ in September
JJ fans will enjoy new music at the end of August or beginning of September. The release of a single is planned for this period. "Whether there will be opera elements or not, you will only hear then. I have to keep everyone in suspense," the ESC winner did not reveal whether to expect another popera ballad like "Wasted Love" or a new style.
(APA/Red)
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