Beyoncé fans in Chicago braved severe weather conditions, an evacuation and cold temperatures for her “Cowboy Carter” Tour. And the dedication didn’t go unnoticed.
The Grammy-winning singe performed her last of three shows at Solder Field on May 18. Beyoncé first took the stage in Chicago for Cowboy Carter and Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour on May 15. The second show took place on May 17.
As the show kicked off she acknowledged the colder temperatures outside. And toward the end of Sunday’s concert told the crowd, “Chicago, I want y’all to know y’all may be the best audience. I can’t believe y’all have so much energy. It’s 50 degrees, they say it feels like 41. Y’all been out here giving me so much warmth.”
Many Chicagoans and other fans were quick to echo her sentiment on social media, with one writing, “Chicago was definitely one of the best. They were singing every single word ad-libs and all.”
As fans know, the Chicago opener was delayed hours due to severe weather in the area. However neither a wether delay or a temporary evacuation could dampen the crowd’s sky-high energy throughout the night. Beyoncé and her fans weathered the storm as she put on a high-energy performance
Chicago was definitely one of the best. They were singing every single word, adlibs and all lol
— II HANDS II HEAVEN 🤍 (@LifeAsEbony) May 19, 2025
One fan expressed his dedication on social media saying, “Beyoncé could come out at midnight. Guess what’s going to happen? We’ll still be out here waiting.”
Of course, Beyoncé first debuted the highly anticipated show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. She performed a total of five shows there, and the concerts proved to be revolutionary spectacle filled with fashion, different music genres and most notably country music and politics.
The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Beyoncé has already made history with her scheduled tour dates, including by playing the most dates at SoFi Stadium of any artist.
Beyoncé will kick off her first of five shows at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey May 22.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
‘American Idol’ judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan talk 2026 season
Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan reveal the talks they’ve had about coming back for Season 24 as Lionel Richie reflects on Season 23’s star talent.
LOS ANGELES — The viewers have spoken, and “American Idol” has crowned a new winner.
As the Season 23 finale came to a close May 18, the fan vote – the majority of all 26 million of them – revealed 27-year-old Mississippi P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts as the latest winner of “American Idol.”
John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up, with Breanna’s elimination announced halfway through the finale.
With his win, Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Season 2’s Ruben Studdard, in 2003. For his winner’s song, Jamal crooned Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as the Top 14 contestants crowded around him in celebration.
The big reveal came after a slate of performances that paired Top 14 singers with guests from Salt-N-Pepa to Jessica Simpson and Good Charlotte.
Jamal performed with the season’s “artist in residence,” Jelly Roll; John took the stage with judge Luke Bryan, and Breanna sang alongside Brandon Lake.
The judges’ Top 14 saves: Carrie Underwood admits they made ‘concessions’
Jamal had come a long way from being told by Carrie Underwood in his audition that he needed to “loosen up” and find some “swagger.” (Though he ultimately received three votes of confidence that sent him to Hollywood Week.)
When he arrived in Hollywood, he was plagued by doubts around his song choices. But as the weeks went by, he found the confidence Underwood was urging him to dig deep for, delivering a lively rendition of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout, Pts. 1 & 2,” an impressive cover of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” that humbled the original artist himself and captivating version of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Throughout the season, Richie often bestowed the same praise on Jamal about having heaven-sent talent; he particularly loved calling him “divinely guided.”
Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’ finale nerves
More than 20 years after her 2005 win, Carrie Underwood admits Ryan Seacrest’s winner reveal on “American Idol” is uncomfortable.
Entertain This!
Jamal Roberts won’t be teaching much anymore, but students are his ‘inspiration’
Minutes after he was named Season 23’s winner, getting some sleep was top of mind for Jamal.
“That was the first thing” that came to mind when he thought about going home to Meridian, Mississippi, he told USA TODAY on the “Idol” red carpet after the finale taping wrapped.
“I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna,” who’s nine days old, he added. “I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
After he’s shaken the confetti off his shoulders and hopped on an airplane home, Jamal is all steam ahead when it comes to music. But he won’t leave teaching behind for good, necessarily.
“I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration,” he said. “So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”
Ryan Seacrest made Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood nervous
As Jamal processed his win, Richie was still reeling from the anticipation. He said he’d just wanted Ryan Seacrest to “tear the tape off quickly” when it came to announcing the winner. “I damn near died. Rude, just rude.”
“I’m so happy for Jamal. And there’s no number two guy here,” he added, referring to John Foster as the runner-up. “They equally stood next to each other and represented their lane of music — and killed it. I’m so happy for both of them.”
Underwood also had some nerves around the winner announcement, reminiscent of her own moment she’d experienced two decades ago.
“My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing,” she said. “There are a lot of moments that take me back to my time on the show.”
What happened in the previous episode? Top 3 revealed after Disney Night part 2
Will Carrie, Luke and Lionel come back as ‘Idol’ judges in 2026?
“Idol” was confirmed for a 2026 season in early May, but there are several unknowns, including whether the same judges will come back for a second season together.
“We haven’t started talks with the show on my return, so we’ll hear what the direction is,” Bryan said, adding, “Me and Ryan and Lionel have been here for eight years.”
“I feel like there’s a lot of contemplating and things like that to do, but I had a lot of fun,” Underwood said about a possible second season at the judges’ table. “You never know where the good Lord’s going to take me, but I’m glad I’m here.”
Executive Producer Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that work on Season 24 began in April, with thousands of submissions already in.
“We never have them all locked in; we never know,” she said of the judging panel. “Right now, it’s exciting. We have a whole new season; it’s like a whole new canvas, blank, and we begin to paint with it.
“All I can say is I think we have some momentum from this season that will hopefully lead us to this next chapter.”
What happened in ‘American Idol’ Season 23?
The finale arrived more than two months after Season 23 premiered, kicking off a slate of pre-recorded auditions in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles that sent 144 contestants to Hollywood Week.
Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and first-time judge Carrie Underwood were then tasked with whittling the pool down to the Top 24 before “Idol” fans took the baton and used their votes to determine who would make it through each week of the ABC competition show.
The final five contestants left standing were Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis.
Last season’s winner was platinum ticket winner Abi Carter, who has since released her debut album, “Ghosts in the Backyard.”
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further! Fallen Angel
Constructor: Max Schlenker
Editor: Anna Gundlach
What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle
TRENT (19A: Nine Inch Nails singer Reznor) Nine Inch Nails is a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which is located in Cleveland) in 2020. This much I knew, but I didn’t know the names of the band’s members. Today I learned that Nine Inch Nails is comprised of TRENT Reznor and Atticus Ross. The band has had a number of other members and touring musicians over the years.
Random Thoughts & Interesting Things
OH SO (1A: Too, too) OH SO is making back-to-back puzzle appearances. We saw it yesterday clued as [Very].
SYRIA (16A: Country where Aleppo peppers come from) Aleppo peppers are mildly spicy peppers grown in SYRIA and Turkey. The peppers are named after the city of Aleppo, SYRIA.
RERUN (29A: Any episode of “30 Rock,” now) The sitcom 30 Rock, which was created by Tina Fey, originally aired from 2006 to 2013. The series centers on the behind-the-scenes happenings of a fictional live sketch comedy show. Its name is a reference to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, where Saturday Night Live is written, produced, and performed.
EWAN (38A: Obi-Wan Kenobi portrayer McGregor) Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Master in the Star Wars franchise. In the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V and VI – 1977, 1980, 1983) Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by Alec Guinness. In the prequel Star Wars trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III – 1999, 2002, 2005), a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by EWAN McGregor.
MOSQUE (40A: Place of worship such as Masjid al-Haram) Also known as the Great MOSQUE of Mecca, Masjid al-Haram is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the destination for Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage. At the center of the MOSQUE is the Kaaba, a building that is considered Islam’s most sacred site. When Muslims pray, they face the direction of the Kaaba.
NOBLE GAS (42A: Krypton, xenon or argon) There are six naturally-occurring NOBLE GASes: krypton, xenon, argon, neon, helium, and radon. Under standard conditions, a NOBLE GAS is odorless, colorless, and has very low chemical reactivity. Hooray for science in the crossword!
USTED (59A: “Como esta ___?”) “Como esta USTED?” means “How are you?” in Spanish. Thanks for checking in, puzzle, I’m doing well.
OCT (62A: Indigenous Peoples’ Day day (Abbr.)) Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates and honors the history and cultures of indigenous peoples. In the United States it is observed each year on the second Monday of October, which this year will be October 13.
PET (65A: Guinea pig or potbellied pig) Although I have had several guinea pigs as PETs, I have never had a PET potbellied pig. My current PET, my cat Willow, is an expert at sleeping and looking adorable while doing so.
HOLI (2D: Colorful Hindu festival) HOLI, also known as the “festival of spring” and the “festival of colors,” is a Hindu festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The date of HOLI varies with the lunar calendar. This year HOLI was celebrated on March 13 and 14.
A STRANGE LOOP (9D: Winner of Best Musical at the 75th Tony Awards and the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama) A STRANGE LOOP is a one-act musical about a Black, queer writer (named Usher) writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer. The musical was written by Michael R. Jackson.
GYROS (10D: Sandwiches sometimes served with dolmas) In Greek cuisine, GYROS are pita-wrapped sandwiches containing meat and vegetables, and topped with tzatziki – a yogurt, cucumber sauce. They may be served with dolmas, leaf-wrapped dishes that are a traditional part of Middle Eastern cuisine.
ARES (11D: War god in “Xena: Warrior Princess”) The TV show Xena: Warrior Princess originally aired from 1995 to 2001. It was a spin-off of the TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. On that show, Xena was a recurring character who was originally going to die in her third appearance. The character became so popular, that instead of being killed off, Xena got her own show. Lucy Lawless portrayed Xena, and Kevin Smith portrayed ARES, who was a recurring character on the show.
CECE (54D: Gospel singer Winans) CECE Winans has won 17 Grammy Awards, the most for any female gospel singer. She has also been honored with seven NAACP Image Awards.
A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
LION’S DEN (20A: Extremely hostile place, idiomatically)
CRUD (61A: “Dagnabbit!”)
LUMP (51D: Oatmeal imperfection)
Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis
ORANGE LIQUEUR (4D: Citrus-flavored spirit like triple sec)
A STRANGE LOOP (9D: Winner of Best Musical at the 75th Tony Awards and the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)
FALLEN ANGEL: Each vertical theme answer features the word ANGEL falling down the grid, in a sense: ORANGE LIQUEUR, CHANGE LANES, and A STRANGE LOOP.
The word FALLEN in today’s title is a tip to look in the Down answers for the theme, since things FALL down rather than across. The hidden word theme is a classic USA Today theme type, and this is a good example of it. Thank you, Max, for this enjoyable puzzle.
A Jane’s Addiction concert in Boston ended when band members got into a fight.
Former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro isn’t looking to get the band back together anytime soon.
Navarro, who comprised the Grammy-nominated rock band alongside singer Perry Farrell, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins, opened up about the future of the band after an explosive onstage altercation between him and Farrell derailed the group in September 2024.
The band’s infamous Boston concert, part of a long-awaited reunion tour, came to a shocking halt when Farrell punched Navarro, according to concert footage shared by fans at the time. Farrell was restrained by crew members and a man who appeared to be Avery as he threw punches and was pulled away from Navarro.
“I have to say that’s my least favorite gig, without throwing animosity around and without naming names and pointing fingers,” Navarro told Guitar Player in an interview published May 17, adding that the situation is “still very tender and unresolved.”
While the cause of the fight remains unclear, concert photographer Brian Mackenzie said in a statement at the time that Farrell “had a huge bottle of wine with him all evening,” while “Navarro and Avery kept chatting with each other the whole show and seemed angrier than normal.”
Prior to the conflict in Boston, Navarro said the band had been “gelling, really, for the first time” while touring in Europe. “There was no ego issue; it was just four guys making great music, just like we did in the beginning,” he said.
“There was an altercation onstage, and all the hard work and dedication and writing and hours in the studio and picking up and leaving home and crisscrossing the country and Europe and trying to overcome my illness — it all came to a screeching halt and forever destroyed the band’s life,” Navarro continued. “And there’s no chance for the band to ever play together again.”
Jane’s Addiction split, explained: Perry Farrell punches Dave Navarro during concert
Days after Navarro and Farrell’s altercation, Jane’s Addiction revealed to fans that it was canceling the remainder of its tour to “take some time away as a group.” But in a follow-up joint statement, Navarro, Avery, and Perkins cited Farrell’s behavior as the reason for the cancellation.
“Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs,” the musicians said. “We can see no solution that would either ensure a safe environment onstage or reliably allow us to deliver a great performance on a nightly basis.”
Farrell apologized to Navarro and his bandmates in a statement shared with USA TODAY in September 2024: “Unfortunately, my breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation.”
Jane’s Addiction cancels tour after Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro fight
This isn’t the first time Navarro and Farrell have had friction. In July 1991, the men got into a fight mid-performance while playing at the inaugural Lollapalooza festival.
Apart from the single “True Love,” released five days after Navarro and Farrell’s altercation, Jane’s Addiction has not released any new material. In January 2025, Avery teased in an Instagram post that he was writing new music with Perkins and Navarro, though he did not specify if the collaboration was for a Jane’s Addiction project.
“The experiences are there, but the potential of having those types of experiences ended that night,” Navarro told Guitar Player. “And so, you know…it is what it is. And that’s my answer.”
Contributing: Jay Stahl and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
Zak Starkey’s exit interview may ruffle some feathers.
The Who drummer, reinstated into the iconic rock band after being fired in April 2025, revealed he was let go a second time in a May 18 Instagram post. This social media announcement came just before The Who revealed Starkey’s departure in its own post.
“I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors,” Starkey, 59, wrote. “This would be a lie.”
The Who shared in its May 18 announcement that musician Scott Devours, who previously worked with lead singer Roger Daltrey, would replace Starkey while he pursues other projects.
“The Who are heading for retirement, whereas Zak is 20yrs younger and has a great future with his new band and other exciting projects,” Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend wrote. “He needs to devote all his energy into making it all a success. We both wish him all the luck in the world.”
USA TODAY has reached out to The Who for comment.
Alluding to the back-and-forth of his employment with The Who, Starkey said quitting the band “would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going ‘in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin’ squeezebox.”
In mid-April, a representative for the band told multiple outlets, including Rolling Stone and The Guardian, that The Who “made a collective decision to part ways with” Starkey after a round of shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. According to Metro, Daltrey expressed frustration onstage during the show, saying he was having difficulty hearing because “all I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that.”
Zak Starkey drama, explained: The Who reinstates drummer days after firing him
In his statement to Rolling Stone, Starkey expressed surprise at his firing and indicated it was sparked by his Royal Albert Hall performance. Starkey, who joined The Who in 1996, also shared that he suffered a “serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf” in January, though he said the ailment later healed.
But the band reversed course in an April 19 statement on The Who’s website, which stated that Starkey, son of Beatles alum Ringo Starr, was no longer “being asked to step down” from the band.
“There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily,” Townshend said. “Roger and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral lineup and he has readily agreed.”
Townshend added that the situation surrounding Starkey’s firing “blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen,” and the band will “move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.” He also apologized for “not crushing” a rumor that Devours would replace Starkey.
The Who is set to embark on a North American farewell tour titled The Song Is Over. The 16-show outing will kick off Aug. 16 in Sunrise, Florida.
‘Law & Order’: Christopher Meloni explains Mariska Hargitay friendship
“Law & Order: Organized Crime” star Christopher Meloni chats with USA TODAY’s Ralphie Aversa about the friendship he has with Mariska Hargitay.
Mariska Hargitay is opening up about a family bombshell.
The “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star, 61, reveals in her new documentary “My Mom Jayne” that her biological father is actually Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her.
According to Vanity Fair, Hargitay says in the movie, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 17, that it was “like the floor fell out from underneath me” when she saw a photo of Sardelli in her 20s and instantly knew he was her biological dad.
Mariska Hargitay’s mother, the late actress Jayne Mansfield, became romantically involved with Sardelli in 1963, amid her divorce from Mickey Hargitay. Mansfield and Hargitay reconciled toward the end of 1963, and Mariska Hargitay was born in January 1964.
Mariska Hargitay turns to true mystery: Her mother, Jayne Mansfield
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Hargitay said she “went full Olivia Benson,” referring to her “Law & Order” character, when she was 30 and introduced herself to Sardelli after going to see him perform in Atlantic City. She recalled telling him, “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you … I have a dad.’” She said, however, that she would go on to develop a bond with Sardelli, who appears on camera in the film.
In “My Mom Jayne,” Hargitay explores the story of her mother, who died in a car crash in 1967, when the future “Law & Order” actress was 3.
In a prior announcement, Hargitay described the documentary as “a search for the mother I never knew, an integration of a part of myself I’d never owned, and a reclaiming of my mother’s story and my own truth.” She added, “I’ve always believed there is strength in vulnerability, and the process of making this film has confirmed that belief like never before.”
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Hargitay said she struggled to navigate “knowing I’m living a lie my entire life” after learning the truth about her parentage. She said the movie is also a love letter to Mickey Hargitay, who died in 2006. She shared that there is “no one that I was closer to on this planet” and reflected, “I’m Mickey Hargitay’s daughter − that is not a lie.”
Reunited! ‘Law & Order: SVU’ stars Mariska Hargitay, Chris Meloni photographed together at NBA game
Following the film’s Cannes premiere, “My Mom Jayne” is set to debut June 27 on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen calls out Trump admin
Bruce Springsteen called out the Trump administration during a recent show in the U.K., urging fans to “fight authoritarianism.”
Bruce Springsteen called the Trump administration ‘corrupt, incompetent and treasonous.’
Bruce Springsteen didn’t back down.
The Boss reinforced his remarks about President Donald Trump at the E Street Band’s May 17 show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England − a line of criticism that previously prompted Trump to call Springsteen a “dried out prune.”
“My home America, the America I’ve written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” said Springsteen to cheers as he took the stage, echoing what he said at the tour’s opening show on May 14 at the same venue. “This is ‘Land of Hope and Dreams.’ “
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices and stand with us against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” said Springsteen, according to a livestream of the show.
Trump calls Bruce Springsteen a ‘jerk’: The president slapped back after the musician voiced criticism at concert
Springsteen also repeated his statement on free speech before “My City of Ruins.”
“There’s some very weird, strange, and dangerous (expletive) going on out there right now,” said Springsteen during both shows. “In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now.”
Trump posted a reply the morning of May 16 on his Truth Social account.
“I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States,” Trump said. “Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he’s not a talented guy − Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country.”
Trump also suggested there would be consequences if Springsteen had made the statement in the U.S.
“This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that’s just ‘standard fare,’ ” Trump said. “Then we’ll all see how it goes for him!”
Much of the music world is showing support for Springsteen. Pearl Jam covered “My City of Ruins” at their May 16 show in Pittsburgh and Jason Isbell played The Boss’ “Cover Me” at his Count Basie Center for the Arts show in Red Bank, New Jersey, also on Friday.
The American Federation of Musicians issued a statement of support on May 16 for Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who Trump insulted the same day with a short missive stating: “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’ “
“The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will not remain silent as two of our members − Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift − are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States,” the group said. “Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world. … Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.”
Trump and Springsteen are neighbors − kind of. Springsteen, 75, has a home in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and Trump, 78, owns the Trump National Golf Club there. Trump has attended several equestrian events where Jessica Springsteen, The Boss’ daughter, has competed, including the 2013 Trump Invitational Grand Prix in Palm Beach.
In 2016, Trump played Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” at his campaign rallies. Springsteen has been critical of Trump’s policies since 2016, but this week is the first time he’s addressed them from the concert stage.
Springsteen and the E Street Band are currently on the 16-show Land of Hope and Dreams tour of Europe.
BASEL, Switzerland − Austria won Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on May 17, the country’s first victory since bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst won in 2014.
Operatic singer JJ won ahead of Israel’s Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Oct. 7 attacks, who sang “New Day Will Rise.” The event is the world’s biggest music competition, watched by more than 160 million people across the world.
The win was Austria’s third in the competition, following Conchita’s success and Udo Juergens’ victory in 1966.
JJ, 24, a countertenor opera singer from Vienna, combined elements of opera, techno and soprano in his song “Wasted Love,” winning the hearts of the professional juries and telephone voters.
“This is absolutely insane. My dreams came true,” said the singer, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch. “It’s out of this world.”
Going into the final, the Filipino-Austrian was second favorite behind Swedish comedy trio KAJ, whose song extolling the joy of saunas had been the hot favorite with bookmakers and ultimately finished fourth.
Switzerland, hosting after Swiss rapper and singer Nemo won last year’s contest in Malmo, Sweden, finished 10th.
JJ said he wanted to give listeners an insight into his deepest thoughts when he wrote the song, and was happy it had resonated with so many fans.
“There’s no wasted love. Love is never wasted. There’s so much love that we can spread around, and we should use love as the strongest force on planet Earth,” he added.
His success was applauded by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, who said JJ was writing musical history.
“Dear JJ, you have moved Europe with your voice and sung Austria into the spotlight,” Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said on X.
JJ told reporters he would like next year’s event to be hosted in his hometown of Vienna, which hosted the 2015 final, and added he would like to be a TV host for the event.
Meinl-Reisinger and others joked about the significant cost of holding the event at a time when the government is planning to cut spending by billions of euros a year to rein in the budget deficit.
“Now we’re going to have to take a look at our budget,” she wrote on X. “But isn’t it fantastic?”
Fans traveled from across Europe and beyond to Basel, with 100,000 people attending Eurovision events in the city, including the final.
Hermann Heyn travelled from Chile for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“We came from really, really far away for this,” he told Reuters. “We are not even competing, but we needed to be here.”
Eurovision, which stresses its political neutrality, faced controversy again this year amid the war in Gaza.
Israel’s entrant, Raphael, was at the Nova music festival during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.
The singer was the most popular among the general public to finish behind Austria, the most popular contestant among the juries.
Pro-Palestinian groups urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been killed in the ensuing offensive by Israel, according to local health officials.
Around 200 protesters mounted a demonstration in Basel on Saturday evening, while two protesters attempted to get on to the stage during Raphael’s performance but were halted by security officials. Nobody was injured.
Spanish public broadcaster RTVE displayed a message before the start of the Eurovision show that read: “When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and Justice for Palestine.”
Contributing: Johnny Cotton, Cecile Mantovani, Swantje Stein, Max Schwarz and Denis Balibouse with Francois Murphy in Vienna and Ana Rios Cantero in Madrid
