Eurovision winners Sandra Kim and JJ reflect on victory, fame and the Contest’s impact
- aussievision
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This week Luxembourg crowned their winner of the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026, with Eva Marija and her song Mother Nature set to head to Vienna.
Our European contributor Laura was on the ground in Luxembourg, attending a pre-show press conference at this year’s Luxembourg Song Contest, where past Eurovision winners Sandra Kim and JJ appeared as special guests. Both artists performed during the event and shared reflections on their Eurovision journeys, as well as advice for the current crop of hopeful contestants in Luxembourg.
This year marks a significant milestone for Sandra Kim, who is celebrating 40 years since her historic Eurovision Song Contest victory for Belgium in 1986 with the song J’aime la vie. JJ, meanwhile, is the most recent Eurovision champion, having won the Contest in Basel last year with his operatic entry Wasted Love.
During the press conference, both artists were asked what advice they would give to participants competing in the Luxembourg Song Contest.
Sandra emphasised the importance of savouring the moment, saying:
“The song is three minutes, which is very short on stage. So enjoy the performance.”
JJ echoed her sentiments, expanding on the significance of those few minutes on stage:
“For me, it’s pretty much the same — just enjoy those three minutes. Those are the three minutes where you can shine the most. They have rehearsed this so many times already they could do it in their sleep. Just be relaxed and enjoy the three minutes, because you never know if you will get them again. Just have fun.”
Sandra Kim was also asked whether she would ever consider competing at Eurovision again. Her response was unequivocal:
“I was waiting for this question, like every year. No — it’s a big no. I already won, so why do I have to come back? I don’t like it, I don’t want it. I won one time for Belgium, and unfortunately that was the last time. I don’t want to go back.”
She added that while she has great respect for other winners who have returned to the Contest, she personally has no desire to do so:
“I have a lot of respect for winners like Loreen and Johnny Logan, who participated two times, but not me. I don’t want to do it. I’m sorry.”
Sandra did, however, reiterate that she was pleased to be invited to the Luxembourg Song Contest, clarifying that while she enjoys taking part in Eurovision-related events, she does not wish to return as a competing artist.
Aussievision’s Laura — who impressed Sandra Kim, prompting her to ask the room to applaud Laura after learning she was from Australia — asked both artists how winning Eurovision had changed their lives.
Reflecting on her experience, Sandra said:
“I won Eurovision when I was thirteen and a half years old. It was very hard for a young girl at that time. I was not prepared to become a singer and to become a winner.”
She acknowledged that her young age made the aftermath of her victory challenging, but noted that she is now happy to take part in Eurovision-related events and celebrations.
JJ described a very different experience following his more recent win:
“Winning Eurovision changed my life. It is weird being recognised all of a sudden everywhere.”
He continued, “You win Eurovision and then everyone is like, ‘Oh my God, he won for Austria,’ and I’m like, ‘Hi.’ I still have to get used to the feeling of being known everywhere. It’s very fun — I love meeting fans, I love travelling, I love meeting new people. I’ve been making a lot of music in different places around the world that I never even thought I would go to. I am enjoying it.”
During the show, Sandra Kim performed her winning song J’aime la vie. When asked if she still enjoys performing it, she replied with a smile:
“Not every day, but tonight, yes. I have to sing J’aime la vie with my musicians — it’s a duty.”
She reiterated that she continues to perform the song for her fans.
JJ also revealed that his performance would offer something new. While he will revisit Wasted Love, he confirmed a surprise addition:
“I have a little surprise I’ve been mentioning on social media. I will be performing a new song called Shapeshifter, which is coming out in two weeks. It will be the first time I perform the song live and on TV. I hope you guys enjoy it.”
With two Eurovision winners at very different stages of their careers sharing the stage in Luxembourg, the press conference offered a unique perspective on the Contest’s enduring impact — from the pressures of early fame to the life-changing opportunities that continue to define Eurovision decades on.
Article written collaboratively by Laura Bird and Kyriakos Tsinivits.
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