Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch aka JJ, winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, hold up the trophy as he arrives at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria. AFP
He also expressed regret over Israel's participation in this year's competition, despite its ongoing war on Gaza, which has killed at least 53,655 Palestinians and injured over 121,950 others, according to the territory's health ministry.
Israel has come under increasing international pressure to abandon its genocidal war on Gaza and lift its nearly three-month blockade to allow urgent humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.
Eurovision has also faced criticism for allowing Israel to participate in the contest despite its genocide in Gaza. This year, pro-Palestinian activists staged protests during the extravaganza in Switzerland over the weekend.
Russia has not been allowed to participate in Eurovision since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
"It is very disappointing to see that Israel continues to participate in the contest," the 24-year-old countertenor told Spanish daily El Pais in an interview.
"I would like next year's Eurovision to take place in Vienna without Israel," he added.
Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ representing Austria with the song "Wasted Love" performs after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel. AFP
"But the ball is in the court" of the organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), he said.
"We, the artists, can only express our views on the subject."
JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, also called for "greater transparency" regarding the public vote, after Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was propelled into second place.
"This year, everything happened in a very strange way," said JJ.
The singer faced a backlash over his comments in Austria, one of Israel's staunchest supporters in Europe.
The country's public broadcaster ORF distanced itself from his remarks, saying they "reflected a personal opinion", APA news agency reported.
JJ said he was "sorry if his comments had been misinterpreted" via his record label Warner.
On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the most outspoken critics of the Israeli government, said Israel should be excluded from Eurovision.
He expressed his solidarity with "the people of Palestine who are experiencing the injustice of war and bombardment".
"What we cannot allow is double standards in culture," Sanchez said in reference to Russia's ban.
Last year, Sanchez implored Western leaders to avoid "double standards" when it came to wars around the world.
"If we are telling our people that we are supporting Ukraine because we are defending international law, this is the same that we have to do toward Gaza... say that we are backing international law, especially international humanitarian law."
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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