Conchita Wurst reveals how winning Eurovision changed her life

Conchita Wurst has revealed how her Eurovision win paved the way for people all around the world just like her. 

'I kind of feel that they were forced, especially in Austria, they had to think about what is masculine and what is feminine. Whether they wanted to think about it or not. And this truly came to an acceptance,' the 33-year-old said.

Spotlight: Conchita Wurst has revealed how her Eurovision win paved the way for people all around the world just like her. Pictured performing at a Booking.com event on Saturday

'Back then in 2014, there were so many queer people getting into the mainstream, with Ru Paul's Drag Race, with Laverne Cox, and Caitlyn Jenner, even though we cancelled her,' she added with a laugh.

'My winning was really impactful and transformed into what it is today - the youth today are so confident. I get insecure when I talk to an 18-year-old! And I love it. I love that kind of progress.'

Conchita also touched on how soaring to international success affected her personally.  

Talking: Speaking at a Booking.com event on Saturday, the Austrian singer, who won the contest in 2014, says her victory 'forced' a global conversation about gender

'I kind of feel that they were forced, especially in Austria, they had to think about what is masculine and what is feminine. And this truly came to an acceptance,' the 33-year-old said

'My winning was really impactful and transformed into what it is today - the youth today are so confident, and I love that kind of progress' she added

'My life completely changed. Suddenly you have people listening to you. You find yourself at a table where you were never invited,' she said. 

'My career music wise, I worked with so many wonderful people. That is something I truly treasure and I am very thankful. Once you are member of the Eurovision family, they never let go of you.'  

Conchita, the drag queen alter-ego of singer Thomas Neuwirth, soared to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. 

Winner: Conchita, the drag queen alter-ego of singer Thomas Neuwirth, soared to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 (pictured) 

The music star gained global recognition with her epic win at the song contest in Copenhagen with her song Rise Like A Phoenix.

The success marked Austria's first victory in the show since 1966.

Despite winning in full drag as Conchita, in 2017 the performer told Germany's Die Welt: 'I feel like I want to create a new persona… with the bearded lady, I have achieved everything I wanted since the Song Contest victory.

'I question myself more than ever these days, looking for what I can do well. I am looking for myself, and Tom rebels. I don't need her anymore… I have to kill her.'

Hit: The music star gained global recognition with her epic win at the song contest in Copenhagen with her song Rise Like A Phoenix. Pictured in 2022