In the midst of the preparation for Eurovision-2025, Austria representative Johannes Pich, known under the stage name JJ, found himself in the center of a high-profile scandal because of his commitment to Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko. The artist who was to represent his country with the Wasted Love is now undergoing a wave of criticism because of his open sympathy for Netrebko, known for his support for the Kremlin regime.
The situation intensified after the network has found evidence that JJ has repeatedly expressed the admiration of Netrebko's work. In his interview for APA, he confessed that she was one of his sources of inspiration to create a competitive song. Moreover, users have found that the singer actively supported the singer on social networks, leaving her likes under her posts.
However, as soon as the situation became public, Johannes Pich hastely stopped from Anna Netrebko on social networks, trying to distance himself from the scandalous performer. However, such a step only increased attention to the conflict.
Anna Netrebko, who has previously performed on the occupied Donbass and continues to tour abroad, regularly faces protests in the West. Last year, her concerts in Germany were accompanied by actions of activists who opposed the popularization of Russian propaganda.
It is unknown whether this scandal will affect Johannes Picha in Eurovision-2025. Representatives of the Austrian delegation are refrained from comments, and the fans of the competition are expecting an official reaction from the organizers.
