Bearded Drag Queen Shines at Eurovision

Conchita Wurst is the drag queen persona of 25 year old Tom Neuwirth and also the 2014 winner of Eurovision, the annual contest that brings 3 dozen European countries together for a sing-off. With flowing locks, a full beard and a glamorous skin tight dress, Wurst’s performance of “Rise Like a Phoenix” cinched the win for Austria, the first since 1966. Established after WWII as a way to promote good relations among the European nations, the inclusion of the “bearded lady” in Eurovision, ironically, became a hotbed of political controversy. When Austria announced their candidate, several Russian organizations called for a boycott of the show and in Austria and Belarus, petitions were circulated asking for Wurst to be omitted or even edited out of the show. St. Petersburg legislator Vitaly Milonov went as far as labeling Eurovision “Europe’s gay parade” and that Wurst’s presence in the show “would insult millions of Russians.” Thankfully, for a personality who wishes nothing but to promote goodness, humanity made the decision that put politics in its place. Following the win, Ms. Wurst said “this night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom…we are unity and we are unstoppable.”

For an electrifying transformation of Drag Queens using makeup, try Leland Bobbe’s Half-Drag Series.