The bastion of subtlety and restraint that is the Eurovision Song Contest is over for another year, with Austrian performer Conchita Wurst, who has come to be known as the ‘bearded lady’, declared the winner.
After being declared the winner, for a stirring Bond theme-like ballad called ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’, Wurst dedicated the award to “everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom.” And everyone who believes in the primacy of ridiculous, over-the-top televised singing contests, obviously.
As much of Eurovision’s voting is detremined by who hates whom the most and least in Europe at any given point, this year’s contest was not without controversy. Russia’s Tolmachevy Sisters were booed in Tuesday’s heats, when it was felt that a lyric in one of their songs contained anti-Ukranian sentiment.
In summary then, everyone except those vaguely Jennifer Lawrence-y sisters had a nice time, and nobody spoiled it for anybody on Facebook, and hardcore Eurovision devotees, you can go ahead and get off our backs now.
Photos: Ragnar Singsaas via Getty Images
