Eurovision 2014: Twitter in praise of drag queen Conchita Wurst’s performance for Austria

Singer Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (AP)

She has received a transphobic backlash from some eastern European groups, but tonight Eurovision viewers were full of praise for Austrian drag artist entry Conchita Wurst.

Fans took to Twitter to praise the performer, comparing her song “Rise Like A Phoenix” to a Shirley Bassey ballad or a Bond theme tune.

Many tweeted in favour of Wurst’s set, expressing their support for the drag performer.

One mother tweeted: “I am so glad that my kids live in an era where it is Conchita and not Hitler that represents Austria in Europe.”

Others were quick to compare the singer’s looks to Jesus, X Factor runner-up Rylan and Tulisa Contostavlos.

Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, had received negative comments from a minority of eastern Europeans calling for the Austrian entry to be withdrawn from Eurovision.

Russian politician Vitaly Milonov, one of the architects of the country’s gay propaganda law, called Wurst a “pervert” and labelled the competition a “hotbed of sodomy”.

Wurst responded to the criticism before the competing, saying: “I can only say [to them] ‘Thank you for your attention!’ If this is only about me and my person, I can live with it.

“I’m just a singer in a fabulous dress, with great hair and a beard.”

Read the reaction to Wurst’s Eurovision performance:

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