Conchita Wurst is being ‘killed off’
Conchita Wurst is being sent to live with Lily Savage in the big convent in the sky.
The bearded Austrian drag queen was propelled to stardom after a victory at 2014’s Eurovision Song Contest, capturing the hearts of Europe with ballad Rise Like a Phoenix.
Conchita has become a champion for international LGBT rights – performing at both the United Nations and European Parliament, as well as pretty much every Pride festival going.
However, this week the man behind the woman Tom Neuwirth confirmed that the end is coming for the character.
In an interview with Germany’s Die Welt, the singer revealed he felt the bearded drag persona had outlived her intended lifespan and that he plans to move on from the look.
He explained: “I feel like I want to create a new person… with the bearded lady, I have achieved everything I wanted since the Song Contest victory.”
Neuwirth added: “I question myself more than ever these days, looking for what I can do well. I am looking for myself, and Tom rebels.
“I don’t need her anymore… I have to kill her.”
Though the timetable for Conchita’s death is unclear, it is unlikely to be before the star’s already-announced second album, set to be released later this year.
Neuwirth also addressed misconceptions that Conchita Wurst is actually a trans woman, adding: “I am and always will be Tom. I don’t want to be a woman.
“I love men, but as a man… when I am dressed as Conchita, men don’t interest me. As a drag act I feel completely asexual.”
It is unclear whether Neuwirth plans to rise like a phoenix as a new drag persona, or start performing as a man – but Eurovision fansite Wiwibloggs points out that a shift may already be underway, with Conchita recently singing in a deeper voice and adopting a less feminine visage.
The Eurovision diva has always been candid about Conchita’s rise to fame – previously saying they don’t feel deserving of the title ‘gay icon’.
Conchita confessed: “I’m not really comfortable, if I’m honest, because I don’t see myself as an icon.
“It’s an honour to be called that, obviously, but I think to be an icon or to be a role model you need to have made an effort… and it takes no effort to be myself.
“So I think that I will keep on speaking out about my beliefs, and I will keep on fighting for what I think is right, and if there are people out there who want to join me, then I will welcome them very warmly.”
In 2015 the male producer of Sweden’s Eurovision selection show made headlines by slipping into her dress and heels himself when Conchita failed to make it to a dress rehearsal.
