Conchita Wurst

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Lore & Background

Neuwirth developed the Conchita persona after his 2007 stint on Starmania, where he finished second. The name "Conchita" came from a Cuban friend, while "Wurst" references the German expression "Das ist mir doch alles Wurst," meaning "it's all the same to me." He chose the beard as a statement that anyone can achieve anything regardless of appearance, noting that bearded drag was pioneered by groups like The Cockettes in the 1970s. Before Eurovision 2014, Conchita placed sixth on ORF's "Die große Chance" and second in the 2012 Austrian national final. Neuwirth also worked in a fish processing plant for "The Hardest Jobs of Austria" and survived in the Namibian desert on "Wild Girls." His selection for Eurovision 2014 sparked controversy; over 31,000 people liked an "Anti-Wurst" Facebook page within four days. Conservative groups in Russia and Belarus called for boycotts or edits, with Russian politician Vitaly Milonov calling him the "pervert from Austria." Neuwirth responded to critics by stating, "I told him I don't want to be a woman. I am just a working queen and a very lazy boy at home."

In Their Own Story

On May 10, 2014, Conchita performed "Rise Like a Phoenix" in Copenhagen as the sole performer on stage, a rarity since 1970. The entry earned 290 points, securing victory for Austria. She received an average of 10.5 points from Western Europe but only 4.4 from post-Soviet states (excluding Baltics). Upon winning, she lifted the trophy and declared, "We are unity and we are unstoppable," a message aimed at politicians like Vladimir Putin who opposed LGBT rights. The song topped Russian internet download charts two days later despite official hostility. Back in Austria, over 1,000 fans greeted her at the airport wearing fake beards. President Heinz Fischer called it a victory for "diversity and tolerance in Europe." Greek singers Helena Paparizou and Anna Vissi praised the act, with Vissi noting that even in 2014, society struggled to accept diversity.

Reader's Guide

Fans can explore Conchita's origins starting from Neuwirth's early life in Bad Mitterndorf, where he faced prejudice as a gay teenager. He moved to Graz at age 14 for fashion school, idolizing Victoria Beckham, before competing on Starmania in 2006. The character emerged fully in 2011. For those interested in the political impact of her win, note that she was invited to perform at pride parades, the European Parliament, and the United Nations Office in Vienna. Her victory highlighted a cultural divide: while Western Europe embraced her, Eastern figures like Armenia's Aram Mp3 initially called his lifestyle "not natural" before apologizing. The New Statesman noted that voting for Wurst was a vote against Russian homophobia. Vienna's tourist board subsequently used her image on the "Gay-friendly Vienna" Facebook page to attract gay holidaymakers.

Did You Know?

• Conchita Wurst's last name 'Wurst' was chosen because the German phrase 'Das ist mir doch alles Wurst' translates to 'it's all the same to me'.
• The 2014 victory was Austria's first Eurovision win since 1966 and the first time a solo singer won without backing singers or dancers since Dana International in 1998, though later winners like Lena (2010) and Loreen (2
• Thomas Neuwirth previously finished second in the Austrian national final for Eurovision 2012 before being internally selected for 2014.
• After his victory, Conchita was greeted at an Austrian airport by a crowd of over 1,000 fans wearing fake beards.