Austria's JJ makes operatic pop soar at Eurovision

Falsetto voice and angelic smile: Johannes Pietsch, alias JJ, has emerged as Austria's best chance of winning this year's Eurovision song contest since the triumph of bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst 11 years ago.

- BLAISE GAUQUELIN

With Wasted Love, which fuses pop and lyrical elements in a crescendo that flows into techno sounds, the Alpine country seems to have made a risky but rewarding choice, being tipped to come second behind Sweden.

"It surprises people that a man can sing so high," the Austrian-Filipino countertenor, 24, said.

JJ — donning cropped pants and numerous rings — grew up in Dubai before discovering classical music in Vienna, where he is currently honing his skills between talent shows and small roles at the opera.

Even though he says he appreciates Austria's "very strict" and famous "classical world", he also wants to have the "freedom to let loose" and "experiment."

In his Eurovision song, about the experience of unrequited love, he pivots from high soprano notes into a blend of lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish.