JJ, Shapeshifter | Beaming with Pride

In the 37^th edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Shapeshifter” performed by queer Austrian singer-songwriter JJ.

Are you ready to beam with P-R-I-D-E? Beaming with Pride highlights songs by LGBTQ musicians and allies, offering background, analysis, and discussion of the decadent bops served up. All genres are welcome, and both classics and new songs are recognized. So, without further ado, in the 37^th edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Shapeshifter” performed by JJ.

Oh, my! Now those are some incredibly dramatic lyrics, JJ (Johannes Pietsch, he/him). 2025 was a big year for the queer Austrian singer-songwriter, who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with his debut single, “Wasted Love”. In 2026, he wowed once again with his single, “Shapeshifter”. “Shapeshifter” was written by Pietsch, Cecil Remmler, Ferras Alqaisi, Marek Pompetzki, and Jaro Omar. FNSHRS produced it.

It’s not only the first verse of  “Shapeshifter” that features descriptive, dramatic lyrics.  These ear-catching, poetic, and vivid lines continue throughout. It’s genius how ritual and metaphysical are incorporated and rhymed in the second verse.  In the pre-chorus, JJ sings about trying to figure this person out. “Twisted and cryptic, but baby, look at me now,” he asserts. The chorus is the crème de la crème, with its shapeshifting references:

“Turn my tears into burning flames

Turn my fears into golden rays

Throw me in the river, I’m a shapeshifter…”

Ooh-wee! The bridge marks another captivating moment from “Shapeshifter.” Despite adversity, JJ proclaims, “Whatever you can throw my way / I’m always gonna break these chains.” His resilience and resolve are admirable.  Even more admirable are the vocals! JJ possesses a truly beautiful instrument, which he showcases at a high level. His upper register sounds flawless.  The melodies crafted perfectly match the thoughtful lyricism. The accompaniment and production are exceptional as well, supporting JJ like the champ he is.  The sounds are lush, warm, and picturesque. “Shapeshifter” marks another illustrious chapter in JJ’s quickly ascending musical career. He ate and left no crumbs.

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JJ » “Shapeshifter” » Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH / Manifester Music » 2026

JJ, Shapeshifter: Beaming with Pride No. 37 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH / Manifester Music; Cristyan Bohn, Ketut Subiyanto, Luis Morales Torres, SHVETS production, Uriel Mont from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay]

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