The most talked-about act before the competition, Austria’s Conchita Wurst has won the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen with “Rise Like a Phoenix”.<br /><br />The drag performer, whose real name is Tom Neuwirth, developed a consistent lead as voting progressed, and ended up with 290 points.<br /><br />More than 50 points behind, The Netherlands came second with 238 points, with Sweden in third on 218.<br /><br />The “bearded lady”, as the 25-year-old is known, had stirred controversy especially in some eastern European countries.<br /><br />But no fewer than 13 countries gave her a maximum 12 points.<br /><br />“This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable,” the winner said as she was presented with the trophy.<br /><br />The contest is not supposed to be political but Russia’s entry was booed – nothing to do with its teenage twin contestants and everything to do with its policies on Ukraine and gay rights.<br /><br />There was again disappointment for Britain and Molly Smitten-Downes who came 17th – and especially for France who finished last.<br /><br />But the night belonged to Conchita Wurst – whose triumph gives Austria its first Eurovision victory since 1966.
