The internet is now filled with information and stories about Conchita Wurst. Who is this controversial lady then whom everybody seems to be talking about?
Conchita Wurst, the new online sensation which everybody loves, is the bearded drag queen who rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest this weekend. But what is more interesting is her identity.
Conchita was born as Tom Neuwirth on November 6th, 1988 in Gmunden/Austria.
As a young boy, Tom would dress up in private at his parent’s home and the attic was the only place where he could be himself.
He was a beardless teenager, trying to start a life in show business.
In 2006, Tom first brushed with fame on the Austrian talent show Starmania.
With pretty impressive voice, Tom made it to the finals and ended up second.
In 2007, he tried to continue his fame by joining a boyband called Jetzt Anders, which translates into English as ‘Now Different’.
Tom’s short-lived band, along with three other Starmania competitors, reach its final the same year it was formed and disappeared from Austrian TV screens for several years.
But in 2011, he returned with a boom. Complete with long hair, fluttering eyelashes and the now world-famous beard, Tom unveiled Conchita.
Again, the comeback was on an Austrian talent show – this time, a show called Die Große Chance (“The Big Chance”).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmL7m0by4UQ
In 2012, Conchita made her first attempt to become Austria’s Eurovision entry.
But then again, she ended up second.
And finally in September 2103, Conchita was then selected to represent Austria in the following year’s Eurovision contest.
Which led to a major backlash and the creation of a Facebook page “No to Conchita Wurst at the Song Contest” which gained thousands of likes.
While supporters of Conchita formed a movement in Austria called “Knit for tolerance”, in which people wore knitted beards.
In the end, Conchita was able to showcase a show-stopping performance at the Eurovision 2014.
And won Saturday night’s show with 290 points – ahead of the Netherlands with 52 points – securing Austria’s first Eurovision win since 1966.
In her acceptance speech, she made another plea for tolerance, saying: “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.”
Watch Conchita’s winning performance of the song “Rise Like a Pheonix” on the video below:
Share Conchita’s winning moment and be blown away by how she rose to fame.