"From casting show to world star" - that's the plan of bearded Conchita Wurst. And it seems that the plan to conquer the world for the fictional character, played by former TV casting show participant Tom Neuwirth, has actually worked. While some (right-wing conservatives and other homophobes in Germany and Eastern Europe) see Conchita as the downfall of the Christian West, others celebrate her as the "Queen of Europe".
In view of her many highly official appointments with important world leaders, Conchita is already regarded as Austria's unofficial foreign minister. Because just a singing Drag Queen is not enough for the Styrian - that is also part of her career plan. Because to the same extent that Conchita Wurst sees herself as an entertainer and wants to make a splash in the fashion world, she also sees herself as an "ambassador for acceptance, tolerance and human rights".
Just how much has already happened in this short period of her stellar career since winning the ESC can be read in her autobiography, which will be released at the same time as her new single. For example, the meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon or her combative speech to the European Parliament with a clear message to MEPs: "It's your job to stand up for a functioning democracy and equal rights for homosexuals". And there were also the one or other professional obligations of a diva to attend to. Photo shoots and catwalk appearances for the big names in the fashion industry. Karl Lagerfeld took her to his heart, as did Vivienne Westwood. (And, as Conchita revealed in passing at the crowded press conference, both smell just like her grandma: like menthol).
The ghost of Wonder Woman
Jean Paul Gaultier has even declared Conchita his new muse and contributed a hymnal foreword to the illustrated life story "Ich Conchita - We are unstoppable": "Madonna has the body of a woman and the spirit of a macho man, you have the body of a man and the spirit of Wonder Woman," writes the French designer. "Carrying the legacy of the avant-garde and subculture within you, you have succeeded in becoming an icon - and a fashion icon for eternity."
For now, however, Conchita wants to work on being more than just a celebrity:
Tonight, at the German preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 - "Our Song for Austria", Conchita will therefore present her new song "We are unstoppable", with an album to follow in April. Whether it has the quality to secure her musical career in the long term remains to be seen. Even if the career goal of world stardom doesn't materialise, Conchita promises: "I will always say what I think and feel."
I often reacted flippantly to death threats
Conchita seemed to take the fact that she had not only been met with rejection, but sometimes even outright hatred, in her stride. "I often reacted flippantly to death threats - 'Guys, get in line' - but in reality it really gets to me," she now reveals in her autobiography.
However, the omnipresent homophobia is more of an incentive than an intimidation for Conchita. Like many other gay teenagers, Conchita has had to experience the whole repertoire of insults, malice and marginalisation. At the age of 14, he moved away from his home village as Tom. At the age of 25, he returned as Conchita Wurst and was offered honorary citizenship. The local butcher now has a Conchita sausage in his range. "I was welcomed like a queen, a president, a superstar," Conchita remembers. "I could see, hear, feel and taste that the people who had come were genuinely proud of me, recognising me as a human being and not as the 'other'." Of course, not all of the 5,000 inhabitants stood in line. "The blockheads stayed at home and vented their frustration on the internet."
We are unstoppable
They now have to live with the fact that a plaque in the town centre commemorates the famous son or daughter of Bad Mitterndorf for all time. Immortalised there are Conchita's legendary words of thanks after the victory in Copenhagen: "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."
Autobiography:
Conchita Wurst: "Me Conchita. My story." Langen Müller Verlag, hardcover. 192 pages
Website:
conchitawurst.com
