JJ is back. After the Austrian winner of the Eurovision Song Contest retreated to the long-awaited vacation in Rhodes following his triumph with "Wasted Love" and the media frenzy over his statement that he wished for an ESC in Vienna without Israel, the singer is now entering the market with a new single. "Back to Forgetting" represents a departure from the previously taken path, showing a new side of the countertenor.
The track is significantly more radio-friendly, poppier, and in production, it is more reminiscent of role models like Charli XCX or Taylor Swift. The falsetto element has practically been entirely pushed into the background. Thematically, it again deals with an unhappy love that one cannot let go of. On the occasion of the song's release with Warner Music, the 24-year-old spoke with APA about his conscious turn to radio pop, his focus on music instead of public statements, and the decision not to host the ESC 2026.
ESC Winner JJ is Back: A New Style Direction
APA: "Back to Forgetting" is quite different from your ESC winning song "Wasted Love". Where would you stylistically place it yourself?
JJ: I would say it is very versatile, significantly more pop-oriented than "Wasted Love", but still has classical and electronic elements. And it is also personally more pleasant for me to listen to because I don't always have to think about a C sharp...
APA: Not only more pleasant to sing, but even to listen to yourself?
JJ: (laughs) Absolutely! And it is also easier for people to sing along to.
APA: The falsetto, or head voice, practically plays no role anymore. Is this a conscious break from the previously taken path?
JJ: Yes, because I always wanted to become a pop star since I was a child, that has always been my dream. I watched "Hannah Montana" and thought to myself, I want the life of a pop star and alongside that, lead a completely normal life. And I always stood in front of the mirror with a brush in my hand and pretended there was a million-strong audience in front of me. I wanted to pursue this dream now and decided to show this other direction that people haven't heard from me yet.
Everyday Life is Gone
APA: Keith Richards, I believe, never had the dream of leading a completely normal everyday life alongside being a pop star...
JJ: After my victory at the ESC, privacy is of course gone now, but I accepted that with my application. And living only as a pop star is also possible. (laughs)
APA: Does that mean that "Back to Forgetting" is not meant to be a one-hit wonder, but rather outlines your future path as an artist more than "Wasted Love"?
JJ: Exactly, this is the birth of a new era. It shows a new side of me that one might not expect as a follow-up single, and I want to continue on this path. But I will still keep the classic elements because that is, of course, my specialty. I will never forget the classics.
APA: Speaking of "Era". Were there musical role models for you that you emulated here - aside from "Hannah Montana"...
JJ: I definitely had my favorite singer Ariana Grande in mind as a great vocal inspiration, and for the electronic parts, I thought of Charli XCX. These are the two people who have greatly influenced me since my childhood.
Separation from the Old Songwriting Team
APA: Was it necessary to part ways with the old ESC songwriting team around Teya for this? They are no longer on board with the new single.
JJ: We were already friends before we went to the ESC and we still are. And I have saved some songs we wrote together, but I had to make the tough decision on how to proceed now. But I am very grateful to Teya and Thomas Turner for the music we wrote together. And maybe something from that will be released someday...
APA: Speaking of which. Will there be more singles soon? When is an album coming?
JJ: So in late autumn, there will definitely be a second single. And in the course of the ESC next year, I will also release an EP.
No Moderation of the ESC
APA: Is it possible for your idea to work, to simultaneously host the ESC in Vienna while working on a new album?
JJ: I have thought it over again, and of course, I know that it would all take a lot of time. I think hosting would be a bit too much. But I will definitely be part of the ESC next year and perform my winning number and also a new one.
APA: So you are definitely not part of the Vienna ESC moderation team?
JJ: I leave the position to my dear colleagues.
APA: Does this also mean that, unlike Conchita, you are not taking the path to become a television personality aside from music?
JJ: Oh, I could well imagine sitting as a juror somewhere or hosting a show. But for now, I am focusing on the music.
Fanbase Remains Loyal to ESC Winner JJ
APA: You said you faced more significant media criticism after your statement about Israel's participation in the ESC in Vienna. What did you take away from this phase? What did you learn from the reactions?
JJ: The interaction with the fans is what makes me happiest. I am now often recognized on the street and take the time to chat a bit with the fans and take photos. They are so supportive and give me so much love.
APA: Does that mean there were no negative reactions from the fanbase?
JJ: My fans are really great and have supported me from the beginning, even before the ESC.
APA: Will you position yourself exclusively as an artist in the future, or will you insist on continuing to express your opinion as a public figure?
JJ: I focus on what I do best, and that is music. My songs always have a personal story behind them. I am very happy that I can incorporate these emotions and that people can find connections here.
APA: In "Back to Forgetting," as in "Wasted Love," it's about an unhappy love. What's going on with you?!
JJ: (laughs) Well, "Back to Forgetting" is kind of the continuation of "Wasted Love." The person addressed in the new song is also the person I wrote "Wasted Love" about. But I am now in a very happy relationship. And maybe I'll write a song about that too. (laughs)
(The conversation was conducted by Martin Fichter-Wöß/APA)
ABOUT THE PERSON - Johannes Pietsch was born on April 29, 2001, in Vienna. The son of a Filipino cook and an Austrian IT expert, he grew up in Dubai before the family moved back to the Danube metropolis in 2016. The young countertenor made it into the opera school of the Vienna State Opera and studied solo singing with the renowned Wagner icon Linda Watson at the Music and Arts Private University. Pietsch became known beyond the opera world under his stage name JJ in May in Basel, when he won the Eurovision Song Contest with his song "Wasted Love," bringing the competition to Austria in 2026.
(APA/Red)
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