From JJ to Tommy Cash – ESC stars conquer the iTunes charts

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Our ESC king JJ (436 points) is ahead of the Israeli Yuval Raphael (357) and the cool Estonian Tommy Cash (356)—this is the official and, for Austria, so pleasing final result of the 69th Song Contest. The ranking looks slightly different in the iTunes charts, which are currently determined by the ESC hits.JJ’s haunting pop opera “Wasted Love” has been at number 1 for days now, that’s for sure! But behind him comes the first surprise: Italian Lucio Corsi, who only made it to 4th place at the ESC with…

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Online travel bookings: Why prices fluctuate and how you save

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In the digital era, booking travel online has become the norm. But did you know that the price of the same trip can vary depending on the device you use? A recent analysis by the Chamber of Labor (AK) shows that prices for online travel bookings can vary depending on the device, booking date, and browsing behavior. Price differences depending on device and dayThe AK conducted a comprehensive study between March 11 and 22, 2025, in which 30 price queries were carried out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with up…

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Pensions, health insurance and other fees will increase starting July 1, 2025

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With the presentation of the 2025/26 double budget by Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ), the whole truth about the government’s planned billion-euro austerity measures to restructure the state coffers is on the table. The corresponding laws are now coming. A first package was already passed in March, including the abolition of educational leave and the VAT exemption for solar installations, as well as the increase in tobacco tax and the bank levy. A second legislative package will be passed in the National Council next Thursday, May 22. This “Budget Restructuring…

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Filipino communities across Austria are celebrating Johannes “JJ” Pietsch’s historic Eurovision 2025 victory

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The 24-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor captivated Europe with his genre-blending ballad “Wasted Love.” JJ’s win marks Austria’s third Eurovision triumph, following Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014. Born in Vienna to an Austrian father and a Filipina mother, JJ spent much of his childhood in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. Fluent in German, English, French, and Tagalog, he embodies a multicultural identity that resonates deeply with Austria’s Filipino diaspora. Many were moved to tears by his soaring vocals and the emotional depth of his song. Social…

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Austria Celebrates Eurovision Champion JJ Pietsch with ORF Media Blitz and Presidential Praise

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Austria’s Eurovision champion, JJ—Johannes Pietsch—returned to Vienna on Sunday, sparking a media frenzy and back-to-back coverage on ORF. The 24-year-old countertenor, fresh off his victory in Basel with the operatic-techno anthem “Wasted Love,” was greeted at Vienna International Airport by hundreds of fans waving flags, playing his song, and showering him with hugs and roses. JJ, who also performs at the Vienna State Opera, held his Eurovision trophy and thanked them for their warm welcome. His emotional homecoming quickly transitioned into a press conference at the ORF headquarters, where he…

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Austria: Temperatures are on the decline again

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The “chilly mood” regarding the weather in Austria continues: there is no sign of a sustained improvement in the new week either. Monday will be the friendliest and warmest before the next low pressure announces itself. The temperatures then plummet again on Friday. On Monday, a few more cloud fields will move across the sky from the north-east from Upper Austria to Burgenland during the day, and local, brief rain showers cannot be ruled out, as Geosphere Austria forecast on Sunday. Further west and south, on the other hand, the…

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Johannes “JJ” Pietsch thanked Filipinos worldwide for their support

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Johannes “JJ” Pietsch, an Austro-Filipino who just won the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Filipinos worldwide who supported him throughout his journey. During a press conference held after the show, Pietsch was asked by a Filipino audience member about how it felt to represent the Philippines once again on the world stage. Responding in Tagalog, JJ conveyed his appreciation to his fellow Filipinos, acknowledging their unwavering support and encouragement. “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Ang pangarap ko ay natupad dahil sa inyo,” he said,…

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Austria wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2025

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The Austrian-Filipino singer Johannes Pietsch, aka JJ, was born in Vienna but grew up with his family in Dubai. He attended the German International School and speaks fluently in German, English, Tagalog, and French, bringing a multicultural flair to his artistry. When he was 15 years old, the family moved back to Vienna. After graduating from school there, the musician started his career. This included participating in the ORF entertainment show “Starmania” in 2021, where he catapulted himself into the final show. At the same time, Pietsch continued to pursue…

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Entry rules for Austrians: Where to watch out on vacation

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Before a planned trip, the question often arises: “Do I need a visa for my destination?” Some countries, such as Thailand, Great Britain, and Israel, have recently changed their rules. The Austrian passport is one of the most powerful in the world; nevertheless, a visa, eVisa, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required before entering around 60 countries. In some cases, the documents can be conveniently applied online; in others, however, a personal visit to the embassy is necessary. New rules for Thailand since MaySince May 1, 2025, Austrian citizens…

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