Conchita Wurst is unrecognisable today. This is what the Eurovision winner looks like 12 years after her triumph

Conchita Wurst won Eurovision and divided Europe

In 2014, Conchita Wurst, representing Austria, won the 59th Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix.” Her stage persona—an elegant gown, long dark hair, and a distinctive beard—immediately became one of the most talked-about images of that year’s contest. The victory brought her international recognition, but it also sparked emotions and controversy.

Behind the persona of Conchita Wurst is Thomas Neuwirth, an Austrian artist and drag queen. Conchita is Neuwirth’s stage alter ego; in private, he identifies as male. The pseudonym itself has an interesting origin—“Wurst” refers to the German saying “Das ist mir wurst,” meaning “I don’t care” or “it doesn’t matter.”

Conchita Wurst looks completely different today

It has been 12 years since her Eurovision triumph, and Conchita Wurst has undergone a massive transformation. Today, it’s hard to recognize the artist who took the stage by storm in Copenhagen in 2014. Instead of long hair and her former, highly theatrical image, Conchita now sports a short hairstyle and a more distinctive, masculine style. Her current look differs significantly from the one the public associated with her after Eurovision.

Conchita Wurst’s transformation is not merely a change in hairstyle or wardrobe. It is also the next stage in the artistic journey of Thomas Neuwirth, who has consistently demonstrated for years that a stage persona can evolve.

The former image of the “bearded woman” was groundbreaking for many viewers, but today the artist isn’t afraid to leave it behind and reveal a completely new side of herself.

Life after Eurovision. What is Conchita Wurst doing today?

After winning Eurovision, Conchita Wurst didn’t disappear from show business. In 2015, she released her debut album, followed by subsequent musical projects, including “For Vienna with Love” and “Truth Over Magnitude.” In recent years, the artist has also focused on shorter releases, such as the EPs “Mrs. Thomas” and “Wundgekusst.”

Conchita has remained connected to Eurovision over the years. In 2024, she appeared in the contest’s final, where she performed ABBA’s “Waterloo.” She also commented on the Eurovision performances of other artists, including Justyna Steczkowska, who represented Poland.

Is Conchita Wurst distancing herself from Eurovision? An important announcement has been made

Although Eurovision was a turning point for Conchita Wurst, the artist recently announced a shift in priorities. As reported by Plejada, Conchita stated that she is stepping back from activities related to the contest to focus on her own projects and make room for new endeavors.

This is a significant decision, as Conchita Wurst has been one of the faces of modern Eurovision for years. Her victory in 2014 became a symbol of openness, diversity, and artistic courage for many fans. Now, it seems, the time has come for a new chapter—one no longer necessarily tied to the contest that brought her worldwide fame.