Austrian singer Thomas Neuwirth's drag
persona of Conchita Wurst, this year's winner of the Eurovision Song
Contest, will co-host next year's contest to take place in Vienna,
Austria in May.
This year's contest was held in Russia
and Wurst's entry was criticized by some in Eastern Europe who
opposed her performing in drag, with a full beard.
Austrian broadcaster ORF revealed
next year's hosts during a
press conference in Vienna.
“[Wurst] won the contest with her
personality, voice and song for Austria,” said ORF's TV Director
Kathrin Zechner. “She did not take the first but the most powerful
Austrian step in the fight for self-determination and respect in
Europe and the world.”
Wurst will interview contestants in the
Green Room and perform during next year's show.
She'll share hosting duties with Mirjam
Weichselbraun, Alice Tumler and Arabella Kiesbauer.