
A bearded Austrian singer who has been compared to Kim Kardashian, has won Europe’s biggest song contest.
Conchita Wurst, whose real name is Tom Neuwirth, won the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. The annual singing competition that sets European nations against each other with a song about respect and tolerance. (See pictures below).
Conchita Wurst won easily, beating the Dutch and the Swedish entrants into second and third place, respectively, in the contest loved — and hated — in equal measure for its kitschy appeal. Wurst, whose look has been compared to Kim Kardashian since last year for copying her look when she appeared at a Vienna ball, said her victory was one for “respect and tolerance”.
“This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are — we are unity and we are unstoppable,” Wurst said. This was seen as a remark aimed at Russia’s anti-gay policies. The Russian entrants — teenage twins — were booed and countries voting for Russia were also jeered in response to current events in Ukraine.
Wurst, won with her song ‘Rise Like a Phoenix.’ Wurst’s win wasn’t the only highlight of the show. The Russian entry and countries that voted for it were booed over recent events in Ukraine.
Russia ended in seventh place, behind Ukraine. Twenty-six European countries took part in the contest, which is watched by millions on TV, and France came last with 2 points.