Eurovision 2025 winner unveiled as Austria beat controversial Israel in final
The evening was filled with anticipation as Israel and Austria neck-and-neck for the crown. With a standout performance of "Wasted Love," Austria's JJ emerged victorious while the contentious Israeli contestant took second place.
Under the stagename Johannes Pietsch, JJ opted for a monochromatic set in Basel that evoked the feeling of a nautical voyage as he crooned about someone precious being inundated.
"I want to thank my entire family, my entire team, thank you so much for making my dreams come true. And especially to you Europe, thank you for making my dreams come true," an elated JJ expressed.
Fans didn't hold back on social media, with one comment reading: "Thank f**k for that ! ! Well done Austria."
Yet another relieved comment read: "Phew, well done Austria."
The competition saw two standout acts perform consecutively; 21 year old Claude Kiambe from the Netherlands wowed the audience with his emotional piece C'est La Vie, drawing on his mother's sagacity, with his rendition stirring him to tears.
In a departure from the poignant, Erika Vikman of Finland took the risqué route clad in black leather, as she electrified the crowd with Ich Komme, a German-Finnish mashup that culminated in her dramatic exit atop a colossal microphone amidst a dazzling display of sparks, reports the Mirror.
Among several unforgettable performances, Maltese songstress Miriana Conte debuted Serving, aptly renamed from Kant for its unfortunate phonetic link to profanity, while Switzerland's Zoe Me delivered an emotive journey with her number Voyage.
Earlier, Nemo, the 2024 Swiss winner, made a return to the Eurovision stage to perform The Code, donned in a full-length white dress. This followed an opening sketch that depicted a Mission Impossible-style quest to locate the trophy, before it was presented to the hosts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne documentary 'to show star's final months' before tragic death
The Osbourne family is known for paving the way for reality TV, and it's now been revealed that a new documentary was being filmed during Ozzy Osbourne's final months. The Black Sabbath frontman passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, surrounded by his loved ones. His wife Sharon and four children released a joint statement, saying: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." In a resurfaced interview, Ozzy's son Jack revealed that his father's final moments were captured on camera for a 10-part BBC documentary series called Home To Roost. The series was initially intended to follow Ozzy and Sharon as they returned to their Buckinghamshire home after 20 years in the US. However, it's now being reworked as a tribute to the rock star, reports the Mirror. Ozzy Osbourne in 2022 (Image:) According to Jack, the documentary will focus on Ozzy's time with Black Sabbath and the early 1980s. "Right now it'll take place over the Sabbath era and early 1980s. We're definitely going for a more adult rating for the film," he told the Mail's Weekend Magazine. "This is by no means going to be a fluff piece." Jack co-produced the biopic, which promises to showcase the chaos and mayhem that Ozzy was known for, as well as the love story between Ozzy and Sharon, which began in the 1970s. Ozzy Osbourne's youngest son, Jack, revealed that his late father was working on an autobiography titled "Last Rites" before his passing. The book is slated for release this autumn. In the weeks leading up to his death, Ozzy took to the stage one final time in his hometown of Birmingham, joining forces with his Black Sabbath bandmates at Villa Park. This farewell performance marked the culmination of a day-long celebration of Ozzy's five decades in the music industry, bringing together some of the industry's biggest names to pay tribute. Kelly with parents Ozzy and Sharon in 2019 (Image: Getty Images) As the celebration drew to a close, the group surprised Ozzy with a cake adorned with a meticulous portrait of the rock star, honouring his legacy and marking the end of their time together as a band. Black Sabbath's co-founder Tony Iommi shared his thoughts on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, reminiscing: "He loved what he did, he loved music, he loved playing together, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity of getting together again to do the [farewell] show." Iommi fondly recalled the experience, adding: "It was brilliant being with all the guys again, and the atmosphere, and it was brilliant for Ozzy because he really wanted to do that, he felt at home there and it was good for all of us." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Hulk Hogan dead: WWE legend dies aged 71 as Ric Flair leads tributes
Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, with the WWE legend reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest as tributes flood in for the icon who has been celebrated as "one of pop culture's most recognisable figures." It's been reported that paramedics were summoned to Hulk's residence in Clearwater, Florida in the early hours of Thursday morning. Hogan served as the headline attraction for the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and remained a mainstay for years in the company's flagship event, taking on everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock. He also battled company chairman Vince McMahon. He secured six WWE championships during his career and was enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone, reports the Mirror. A statement from the organisation read: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans." Ex-WWE owner and supremo Vince McMahon said: "The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. "His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. "He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, "Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers." Today, we pray for him." Ric Flair who, like Hogan, was a champion of the sport, paid his respects as he said: "I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! "Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. "He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!" One of the sport's best known figures, The Undertaker, said: "The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan." Fellow legend Kurt Angle added: "R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today." Hogan's stature saw him become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, "Hogan Knows Best". Former wrestler Brutus Beefcake said: "Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you". Hulk Hogan fans are paying tribute to the star online (Image: WireImage) Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 (Image: Getty Images)
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Donald Trump reacts to death of 'great friend' Hulk Hogan with moving tribute
US President Donald Trump has responded to news of legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan's passing. In an emotional statement on X, Trump honoured Hogan as he wrote: "'We lost a great friend today, the "Hulkster". Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way - Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. "He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, as he praised his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention. "To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed," he concluded. Vice President JD Vance also honoured the famous wrestler as he wrote: "Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.", reports the Mirror. (Image: AFP via Getty Images) "The last time I saw him we promised we'd get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace." Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, publicly endorsed Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, energising the audience as he waved an American flag before the former president's address. Though Hogan had stayed quiet during Trump's initial campaign, he said the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania altered everything. "What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough and I said let Trumpamania run wild brother" he proclaimed, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top. Hogan, who claimed he's known Trump for over 35 years, reflected on his early wrestling days at Trump's hotel venues. "I just had a flashback man, this is really tripping," he expressed. "You know the last time I was onstage Donald Trump was sitting ringside at Trump Plaza." (Image: AP) WrestleMania was hosted near Trump Plaza in 1988 and 1989, and Hogan pointed to Trump's previous presidency as evidence he'd "enforce the border and be tough on crime. "So all you criminals, all you low-lifes, all you scumbags, all you drug dealers and all you crooked politicians need to answer one question for me. What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you brother?" he bellowed during an event in Milwaukee. At a rally in Madison Square Garden shortly before the election, Hogan roused the crowd once more. "You something Trumpmaniacs, I don't see no stinkin' Nazis in here, I don't see no stinkin' domestic terrorists in here, the only thing I see in here are a bunch of hard workin' men and women that are real Americans brother." He also appeared in D. C. for Trump's inauguration, ripping his tuxedo sleeves at the Liberty Ball. "We have our country back" he declared on Fox News. "We're going to get everything back to where it should be." (Image: Sky Daily Hogan/Instagram) Hogan's death was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in a statement on X which read: "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. "One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s." WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans. "". It has also been claimed by TMZ that paramedics were sent to the 71 year old's residence in Clearwater, Florida. The devastating news arrives just weeks after his wife, Sky, was forced to dismiss rumours he was in a coma. Hogan is believed to have suffered a heart attack at his Florida residence. It has been reported that emergency services were called to Hulk's house in Clearwater, Florida, in the early hours of Thursday morning; it's understood operators confirmed it was a "cardiac arrest". (Image: AP) TMZ has reported that numerous police vehicles and emergency units were stationed outside the wrestling icon's property, and he was 'transported on a stretcher into an ambulance'. The recording from the 999 call, as paramedics raced to Hulk Hogan's residence, has been released. In the recording, obtained by TMZ, emergency responders can be heard confirming that a patient had suffered cardiac arrest. Just weeks prior to Hulk's passing, a spokesperson for the WWE legend dismissed rumours he was seriously unwell. In May, it was revealed he'd had a minor "fusion procedure" on his neck. However, in June, a YouTuber alleged that matters were "not looking good" for him. Refuting the claims, a representative stated that Hulk's operation had been "successful" and there were "no reasons to panic." They continued: "He just needs from time to time a medical check up." (Image: Getty Images) After his passing, an avalanche of tributes has poured in for the WWE icon. Posting on Instagram, Hollywood star Sylvester shared a photograph of himself with Hulk, who starred alongside him in Rocky III in 1982. The performer commented: "I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone.." Television presenter Piers Morgan, who previously interviewed Hulk, has also described the WWE performer as the "most iconic" wrestler. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: "RIP Hulk Hogan - the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie! ) persona. Sad news."
