Austrian Eurovision star reveals 2014 winner Conchita is coaching him to success

star JJ, who is representing , has revealed he is being supported in his efforts by the legendary Conchita Wurst. The singer, whose real name is Thomas Newrith, won the competition for Austria back in 2014 with the soaring ballad Rise Like a Pheonix. JJ, whose real name is real name Johannes Pietsch, admits that it is favourite Eurovision track and that the icon has been "offering as much help as possible".

Speaking exclusively to ahead of the Eurovision Party, the 24-year-old singer said: "I'm a huge fan of Conchita and I'm so lucky and I'm so happy that Conchita is following me throughout this journey and offering as much help as possible." Aside from Conchita's help, JJ is confident his song Wasted Love will stand out from the others when he takes to the stage.

He told us: "I think what makes my song different from the others is that it's not a classical pop track that everyone knows. It's it's a different musical genre that's being incorporated, and so I think that's what makes my song stand out."

JJ is no stranger to competing after under his real name in season 9, which aired in 2020. Aged just 18 at the time, he made it through the blind auditions giving his take on the Julie Andrews classic The Sound Of Music.

He was coached by Will.I.Am, who was the only judge who turned for him in the blind auditions, while , Meghan Trainor and Olly Murs all expressed regret at missing out on the opportunity to coach him.

Reflecting on his time on the BBC show, he admitted: "It was such a fun experience. That was my first TV experience actually and being in a competition so that was fun.

"I'd always wanted to be in the UK see London and Manchester and it was it was something that I've always wanted to do. Being on made my dream come true of coming to the UK."

He received huge praise from the judges following his audition performance. The Black Eyed Peas singer gushed: "Amazing. The control in your voice is like, spectacular. I've turned around for classical and opera before Every single genre belongs on this show."

Meghan Trainor lamented: "I'm sorry I didn't turn around. I thought you were like way older. You sound so good." Sir told the hopeful: "I didn't turn because I don't know what I could have done for you, but you have Will anyway. So congratulations.

Meanwhile Olly Murs said: "In my head, I thought you were in your 40s or 50s, and you were singing for a long time...now I'm really confused... because you're only 18...It's crazy to think how good you're gonna get. So Will's gonna coach you and you're gonna be amazing. I can't wait."

JJ had a successful run on the BBC show, making it all the way through the battles and knockouts before being eliminated during the live show.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, continues tonight with the second semi-final from 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. This year's grand final will air at the same time on Saturday night.