Conchita Wurst is unrecognisable months after cutting ties with Eurovision 'indefinitely'
One of the most iconic winners of Eurovision, Conchita Wurst, has turned her back on the competition indefinitely.
And the timing couldn't be more apt, given the new look she has shown off; a look that is a far cry from what we saw from her way back in 2014 after winning the competition with the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix'.
Real name Thomas Neuwirth, he goes by the stage persona Conchita Wurst in many of his media and stage appearances.
Now aged 37, he won Eurovision some 12 years ago, bringing the 2015 show to Austria for only the second time until its third show this year at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna on Saturday (16 May).
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Neuwirth began appearing as the character Conchita, noted for her beard, three years prior to winning the show - a look that he continued while in character, donning all manner of traditionally feminine clothing, make up, and beauty products alongside the facial hair.
Conchita Wurst's new look
But after turning her back on Eurovision, a new look Conchita Wurst has appeared in recent weeks.
Meeting with Alexander Van der Bellen, the President of Austria, Wurst showed himself in a reserved blue two piece suit, with a yellow pocket square and black top underneath.
He sported a more reserved side-parted taper haircut with a clean, groomed facial hair finish.
Responding to the post on Wurst's Instagram page, Van Der Bellen wrote: "So glad you were there!"
It isn't the first time Wurst has changed her style, it has to be said, donning a blonde cropped haircut back in 2018 and bleached blonde beard.
Why Conchita Wurst has cut Eurovision ties
In a post to social media back in January, Wurst wrote about how Eurovision has 'shaped my life' but that it was time to 'evolve'.
In her statement, is signed off with 'Tom', she says: “The Eurovision Song Contest has shaped my life. It was my stage, my home and my springboard and a chapter for which I am deeply grateful.
“As an artist, change is my greatest constant. From now on, I am withdrawing from the Eurovision context. I am moving to focus more on other professional projects and to let new things evolve.
"My connection to the ESC remains as part of my history, not as the place for my next steps. My decision is personal and I will not comment on it further."
Michael Kron, Eurovision 2026 Executive Producer, responded by saying: “We acknowledge and respect Conchita Wurst’s decision to withdraw from the Eurovision context. Her contribution is an important part of Austrian Song Contest history. We wish Tom Neuwirth all the best for his future projects.”
Eurovision 2026 controversy and Israel
This year's Eurovision is set to be the most controversial in memory, with five countries opting not to participate due to Israel's inclusion. There is also controversy over the lyrics of one particular song called 'Choke Me'.
Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have made that decision due to the country's ongoing involvement in the Gaza War. Three of these five - Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia - have gone as far as committing to not even broadcasting the 70th anniversary of the song contest.
It is the largest boycott since Finland, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden turned their backs on the 1970 edition of the show.
In the 2025 contest, two protesters attempted to storm the stage during Israeli performer Yuva Raphael's performance. Raphael, a survivor of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, had been performing her song 'New Day Will Rise'.
Eurovision 2026 bookies' favourites
While we still have the semi-finals to go today (12 May) and Thursday (14 May), some clear favourites to win Saturday's grand final are already emerging.
These are the frontrunners, with their odds to win according to bet365:
Finland - 5/4
Featuring world-renowned classical violinist Linda Lampenius and Finnish TV talent show star Pete Parkkonen, their song 'Liekinheitin' (which translates as 'Flamethrower') certainly brings the drama.
They'll be hoping to replicate the success of Norway's 2009 winner Alexander Rybak, who stormed to victory with the violin-heavy 'Fairytale'.
Greece - 11/4
In a bit of a change of pace, Greece is hoping to win for what would be the second time ever with dance track 'Ferto' (which translates as 'Bring It') from TikTok favourite Akylas.
It's certainly catchy, and the staging we've seen so far has a bit of a Pac-Man vibe.
Denmark - 13/2
Denmark's act is one of the most eye-catching, featuring musical theatre star Søren Torpegaard Lund busting some moves in a perspex box while wearing copious amounts of eyeliner.
The soaring vocals and electronic production make 'Før Vi Går Hjem' (literally 'Before We Go Home') likely to go down well with a Eurovision crowd.
Topics: Eurovision, World News, Music, Viral
Tom Earnshaw