Conchita Wurst, Eurovision's Bearded Drag Queen, Sparks Controversy As Finals Near

Austria's bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst has hogged the limelight ahead of Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final, but things have gotten hairy for her among socially conservative Europeans, including some gays.

Conchita Wurst, Eurovision's Bearded Drag Queen, Sparks Controversy As Finals Near BN-CS934_1wurst_G_20140510185455

Conchita Wurst, Eurovision's Bearded Drag Queen, Sparks Controversy As Finals Near BN-CS934_1wurst_G_20140510185455

"I created this bearded lady to show the world that you can do whatever you want," said Wurst, the drag persona of 25-year-old Austrian singer Tom Neuwirth, at a recent press conference in Copenhagen.
"If you're not hurting anyone you can do whatever you like with your life and, it's so cheesy, but we've only got one (life)," she added.
Wurst's James Bond theme-like ballad "Rise Like a Phoenix" is widely expected to make it through Thursday's semi-final in the Danish capital, but few pundits believe she will take the Eurovision crown.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/08/conchita-wurst-controversy_n_5285278.html

LOL, Conchita Wurst of Austria Wins Eurovision Song Contest

Austria's popular bearded lady, Conchita Wurst, won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night in a result that promises to reinforce the tolerant tone the event has sought to strike in recent years.

Ms. Wurst's onstage drag persona was created by a 25-year-old singer named Thomas Neuwirth. Sporting a skintight glittery dress, long brown hair and a beard, Ms. Wurst won the contest with a song titled "Rise Like A Phoenix."

The victory came following a gradual snowballing of support for the drag queen in the days leading up to the final in Denmark. A polarizing figure, Ms. Wurst attracted a flood of respect for her views on gender and sexuality, but she also became the target of criticism, including from a prominent Russian politician known for holding antigay views.

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."

Ms. Wurst wasn't the only subject of controversy at the 59th Eurovision contest. At many points in the evening, particularly during the voting session that follows official performances, Russia received a chorus of boos, forcing organizers to remind the audience that the event is about love and respect, not politics.

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Conchita Wurst, Eurovision's Bearded Drag Queen, Sparks Controversy As Finals Near

Conchita Wurst, Eurovision's Bearded Drag Queen, Sparks Controversy As Finals Near

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