Conchita Wurst, a celebrated singer and drag queen, gained international fame by winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 with her powerful performance of "Rise Like a Phoenix". This victory, representing Austria, marked the country's first win in the contest since 1966. Conchita's win not only showcased her exceptional talent but also solidified her status as a gay icon, making her a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Conchita's journey to stardom began before Eurovision. She participated in the third edition of Starmania and was part of the boyband Jetzt Anders! In 2012, she nearly represented Austria in Eurovision, finishing second in the national pre-selection. Her persistence paid off two years later, and her triumphant win at Eurovision propelled her to global recognition.
Since then, Conchita has been a sought-after performer at Pride Month festivals and events around the world. Her presence is a symbol of resilience and pride, resonating deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. She has headlined major Pride events, such as London Pride in 2014, where she performed in Trafalgar Square, as well as Madrid Pride and Stockholm Pride. Her performances are not just entertaining but also inspirational, embodying the spirit of Pride. Conchita's influence extends beyond Pride festivals. She has modelled for fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier and performed at significant venues and events, including an anti-discrimination event at the European Parliament and a performance at the United Nations Office in Vienna for then-Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Her post-Eurovision music career includes singles like "Heroes" and "You Are Unstoppable," further solidifying her musical legacy.
In addition to her musical achievements, Conchita has taken on various roles in the entertainment industry. She hosted the green room at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, performed at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2016, and graced the stage of the London Palladium for BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night in 2018. Her versatility as an artist is evident in her dual character act, where she performs as Conchita with a more feminine style and as WURST with a more masculine approach. This dynamic performance style, along with her judging role on "Queen of Drags" in 2019 and her appearance in Netflix's "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga", showcases her wide-ranging talent.
Conchita Wurst is hired for events due to her powerful message of acceptance, her vibrant and charismatic stage presence and her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Her status as a global LGBTQ+ icon, coupled with her talent and activism, makes her a compelling and inspiring figure at Pride festivals and beyond. Conchita's continued success and influence make her a beloved figure at events, celebrating diversity and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights through her artistry and public appearances.
