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Singer Conchita Wurst representing Austria who performed the song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’ holds up the trophy during a press Beardedconference after winning the Eurovision SongAustrian Contest in the B&W Halls in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday.drag — AP photos queen wins Eurovision earded Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst won the Eurovision contest early Byesterday with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix”, beating expectations that the eye- catching performance would be too controver- Conchita Wurst holds her hand over her mouth after she is announced winner of the sial in socially conservative countries. The 25- Eurovision Song Contest. year-old performer, whose real name is Tom Neuwirth, took the Eurovision crown in ‘In Europe everyone is accepted’ Copenhagen with 290 points compared to 238 “She proved that in Europe everyone is points for runner-up the Netherlands, in what accepted,” she added. Since the contest was Eurovision fans had anticipated would be a launched in 1956, voting has often been tied to more closely fought race. It was Austria’s first politics and the 2014 event was no exception, Eurovision victory for 48 years. “We are unity, with the audience jeering countries that and we are unstoppable,” Conchita said after awarded points to Russia. Azerbaijan and winning the glitzy competition. Belarus both gave top marks to Russian entry When asked what she would tell Russian “Shine” by the Tolmachevy Sisters. President Vladimir Putin-who last year signed a Austria’s colorful competitor didn’t become law banning “gay propaganda”-Conchita one of the bookies’ favourites until Thursday’s replied: “I don’t know if he’s watching, but if so, semi-final, amid reports that the drag act had I’ve made clear, we’re unstoppable.” The win prompted shocked petitions in Russia, Ukraine was also a victory for all people who believe “in and Belarus. Even in Austria, the leader of the the future of peace and love and tolerance,” The band The Common Linnets representing The Netherlands who performed the song right-wing FPOe party had called the act said Wurst after the live broadcast, where she ‘Calm After The Storm’ listen as points are announced during the judging at the final of the “ridiculous”. cried in front of the cameras. “I said to myself Eurovision Song Contest. “I have very thick skin. It never ceases to just this time please just let me be the one with amaze me just how much fuss is made over a the gold,” she said. The Eurovision winner little facial hair,” Wurst told AFP on Friday. secured most of her “douze points” top scores Danish public broadcaster DR had transformed from western European countries including a disused shipyard into a purpose-built arena Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands. However, for the event, creating a spectacular stage for a she underlined that she also had fans in coun- fraction of the price some previous host coun- tries perceived as being more conservative. tries have spent. —AFP

‘A great presence’ “It doesn’t depend on a country, there are people... also in eastern Europe who believe what I believe.” In fact for viewers in Russia, Conchita Wurst was the third favorite in the text voting. The Ukrainian entry came fourth in Russia while Russia’s song was voted third best in neighboring Conchita Wurst holds the trophy. Ukraine. Eurovision organizers explained that votes cast in the Crimea region, recently annexed of the victory was well received by revelers in by Russia from Ukraine, were counted as Vienna. “It’s just great that a guy can perform Ukrainian votes for technical reasons. like a woman like this, he has such a great pres- The bearded Austrian diva was among the ence,” said Karin Springer, who had gone to a top six picks in all participating countries bar with friends to watch the event. “It’s been expect in Estonia, where the transvestite came 48 years since Austria won the Eurovision so it’s Supporters of Austrian singer Conchita Wurst celebrate during the singer’s arrival at eighth. Austria last won Eurovision back in 1966 fantastic to get it back,” she added. Others Vienna’s Schwechat airport, Austria, yesterday. with “Merci Cherie” by Udo Juergens, and news emphasized the message of tolerance Eurovision was sending to its viewers. “I think it’s important that she won because she repre- sents a different part of society that not every- one accepts,” said Fidan Aliyeva from Azerbaijan who recently finished her studies in Austria. Supporters of Conchita Wurst.

Supporters of Conchita Wurst also known by his birth name Thomas Neuwirth react after he won the Eurovision Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’ during the Song Contest. final of the Eurovision Song Contest.