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ESC winner JJ has added another statuette to his collection: Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, awarded the young countertenor the Golden Vienna City Hall Man on Tuesday as a “visible sign of appreciation.” “He is a Viennese who represents our city. We are very proud of him,” said Ludwig. JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, was honored in the Red Salon of City Hall in the presence of his family: “I am speechless.”
The award is only given to “special personalities,” Ludwig reminded the audience. He decides who will be honored and is not bound by any suggestions. Of course, the Golden Vienna City Hall Man has also been awarded to other ESC winners from Austria: Udo Jürgens and Conchita Wurst. Ludwig sees JJ, who was born in Vienna, graduated from high school there, and is now studying at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), as a “great artistic calling card throughout the world.”
ESC in Vienna? Ludwig “very confident”
Ludwig would be delighted if ORF chose Vienna as the venue for the 2026 ESC. An 80-page application was submitted a few weeks ago. “We already proved in 2015 that we can do it. Many people thought it was one of the best Song Contests ever,” said the mayor, expressing his “great confidence” that it could be repeated next year.
Hosting the event involves costs. “We know that it would be a significant investment for the city. But we expect a high return on investment and a significant advertising effect—not only for Vienna, but for all federal states,“ Ludwig said in an interview with the APA. Images from all federal states were already disseminated worldwide in 2015. ”The whole of Austria would benefit if an internationally renowned location like Vienna sent images out into the world.”
JJ: “Vienna has so much to offer”
JJ was visibly delighted to receive the Golden Vienna City Hall Man. He described it as a “great honor” and took the opportunity to once again speak out in favor of hosting the ESC in Vienna. “Vienna has so much to offer,” said the 24-year-old. But he would, of course, also travel to western Austria. In an interview conducted by APA, JJ contended, “Innsbruck is also a beautiful city.” In any case, he wants to perform at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. That is already in the planning stages, he said.
At the end of May, JJ caused a stir in an interview with a Spanish media outlet when he spoke out against Israel’s participation in the next ESC and drew a comparison with Russia, which is excluded as an aggressor. Later, JJ backtracked and apologized. His words had been misunderstood, he said. On Tuesday, he also showed himself to be conciliatory: “I am incredibly happy for everyone who is allowed to participate. It’s a huge experience and a milestone in any career.”
“He took it back.” Ludwig saw no reason to continue the discussion. “He is a young man who should be judged based on his artistic achievements.”
New music from JJ
JJ fans will be able to enjoy new music at the end of August or the beginning of September. A single is scheduled for release during this period. “Whether or not there will be operatic elements will only be revealed then. I have to keep everyone in suspense for now,” said the ESC winner, not giving away whether we can expect another popera ballad like “Wasted Love” or a new style.
- source: APA/picture: heute.at
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