Meet Austria’s Victoria Beckham-inspired Eurovision entry

This lithe beauty is Conchita Wurst, Austria’s Eurovision entry. She may look like Kim Kardashian with a beard but the singer actually takes her inspiration from a certain Mrs Beckham and, as you can imagine, her participation in the annual song fest has been met with some controversy.

Tens of thousands of people across parts of eastern Europe have been campaigning to have her expelled from the show in May, claiming she will turn the annual songfest into a ‘hotbed of sodomy’. But Conchita says she doesn’t care about what the haters think and swears she is more determined than ever to take part in the show.

Attitude’s Christian Guiltenane caught up with the 25-year-old former boyband star for a chat at the London Eurovision Party last week.

Are you upset that people have raised a petition to have you banned from the show?
I wasn’t upset about it, I was just surprised that people would invest so much time in something they don’t like. I don’t like Miley Cyrus but I wouldn’t go on her Facebook and post something horrible, I just won’t listen to her music. It’s the same with me: either listen to my music or don’t. I’m not forcing anyone to listen to me! I just say thank you for your attention, you clearly have a lot of time to spend thinking about little old me!

With everything that’s going on in Russia, do you think your appearance on Eurovision will help unify Europe?
I’m not sure I can actually change anyone’s minds, but I hope I can! I certainly don’t see myself as a role model, but I try to use what I have – the fame and attention – to encourage tolerance and acceptance. Its so sad that even in the 21st century it’s still a topic we have to talk about. The terrible laws in Russia are ridiculous and I hope I can do something to change the way people perceive gay men.

It’s better to be noticed than to be ignored!
The one good thing about people like me is that it makes me people think about those who are different.  For example today, I was on the street and people who had never  heard of me just stared at me. I’m sure they  are going to go and tell their friends that they saw a bearded lady. But that’s the point: the best thing for me is that they can turn that into a discussion.

Are you nervous about taking part in Eurovision?
I will be nervous on the night and when I land in Copenhagen. Right now I’m laid back and am enjoying everything that is happening. I’m not thinking about the millions of people but I’m sure closer to the time I will be.

We love the look! You’re a little bit like a Kardashian, only without the big ass.
I think Kim K looks stunning, so I take that as a compliment! But my big inspiration is Victoria Beckham! I love the fact she never smiles in pictures and that she is always very funny. She is beyond chic. I used to love her in the Spice Girls. I was always doing the finger point and I watched the movie a million times. I love it!

This year’s Eurovision competition will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the Grand Final due to take place on Saturday May 10.

Interview: Christian Guiltenane
Photography: Anna Velikova

Read our recent chat with another Eurovision hopeful, X Factor legend Ruth Lorenzo
Listen to the UK’s Eurovision song ‘Children of the Universe’