Few Eurovision fans can forget the dramatic moment when Conchita Wurst accepted her Eurovision trophy and shouted, “We are unstoppable!” It left such an impression that the organisers behind Zurich Pride have named an award after the Eurovision winner. Gabriel, an editor at Swiss News Agency sda, was on hand and has filed this special report.
Conchita Wurst visited Zurich last Friday, where she performed at the Pride Festival and received an award named after her. Before that, she talked to the Swiss media about homophobic politicians in Switzerland, her plans for her first album and what it means to win the first ever “Unstoppable Award”.
Literally everyone at the press conference was eager to hear from the bearded lady about the recent inflammatory comments from right-wing politician and member of the Swiss parliament Toni Bortoluzzi. Bortoluzzi said homosexuals were “misguided” and had a “brain lobe, that runs the wrong way”.
“I have my brain lobe here with me,” Wurst said in Zurich with a smile. “But I don’t get angry over these type of homophobic comments. I just wonder if these people really don’t know, deep inside, that they’re actually saying nonsense. They just disqualify themselves with what they say.”
Unstoppable: The Conchita Wurst Award
Wurst then expressed her gratitude towards the organizers of the Zurich Pride Festival for creating a new award that honors her. The first “Unstoppable: The Conchita Wurst Award” was given to this year’s ESC-winner to honour her fight for tolerance. “It’s overwhelming to win an award,” Wurst said. “But having an award named after me leaves me speechless.”
The award will have a new winner each year and Conchita will have a vote when it comes time to decide on future winners. “I’m going to work hard, so that this prize becomes one of the most famous awards in the German-speaking countries,” she said.
The award itself is a little sculpture formed from an imprint of one of Wurst’s hands. The prize does not come with a cash award, but organizers are already speaking with possible sponsors regarding future editions.
Album release “hopefully this year”
Asked about her musical plans, Conchita admitted that she appears to be a step behind her growing celebrity. “I don’t have an album out yet, so I take the freedom to focus on the tolerance aspect for the moment,” she said. “But music is the love of my life and, of course, I am working on that as well.” The album should be released “hopefully this year.” She didn’t say anything about the style of music she has in mind. “All I know is, it will have to be music that comes 100 per cent from the heart, whether the songs sound commercial or not.” She said that “Rise Like a Phoenix” wasn’t a commercial song, but that it worked.
The visit marked Wurst’s first trip to Zurich. She had previously been to Lucerne.
“Unfortunately, as I go to so many places, I usually only get to see airports and hotels. But that’s fine. Al least I get an idea, whether I want to come back or not. And I definitely want to come back to Zurich,” she said.
Celebrating the award winner
Wurst then appeared on stage on the Kasernenareal, the open-air venue, where the Zurich Pride Festival took place. Swiss TV host Kurt Aeschbacher, who presented Switzerland’s points during this year’s ESC, gave an emotional speech honoring Wurst before she finally received the “Unstoppable Award”, surrounded by thousands of people cheering and applauding. Aeschbacher especially appreciated Wurst’s contribution to raise tolerance in all of Europe.
The bearded drag queen then sang her version of Cher’s “Believe”, “That’s What I am” and “Rise Like a Phoenix”. The fans went crazy and sang along especially to the winnig title of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. As the public begged for an encore, Conchita just said: “Do you really want more? Fine. But you’ve been warned.” Then she sang her version of Celine Dion’s “My heart will go on.”
So? If it is estimated that CW will release her album no earlier than after 7 months, I think it is only a sign of taking her job seriously. One of the most appreciated singers, Adele, has released an album after every two years, and her songs are of quality. Let’s wait, I’m sure Conchita’s album will be a great collection of great songs.
I dunno. I like the idea that’s it not that much about earning quick money (with a fast release), but about good music (taking time to check the offered songs). We’ll see. I do think Conchita will sell a good amount anytime, and even more if she feels comfortable with the product – but only time will tell.
Think we leave Conchita’s album issues behind us now. There’s soon a new esc
Think we leave Conchita’s album issues behing us now.There’s soon a new esc
I mean better give hundred hardcore fans still there in oct what than give millions of people music who’s fans just after winning
Better sell 100 copies in oct than millions after winning
Well, she says, she wants to record an album with music “that comes from the heart”. I’m sure it takes time, to find the right songs. Better to bring out something good instead of a quick release with mediocre songs. And I don’t think it’s too late, people keep on talking about her anyway, she won’t be forgotten. I think it’s fine if she releases new stuff after the summer, say October.
Album this year ? Is it real? Why not release album after winning Eurovision? Too late
And by the way: Yes, we really hope Conchita’s album gets released this year. We want new material asap!
Congratulations, Conchita. You looked great in Zürich and truly deserve the Award.
I love your comment, Timbardur62, well said, I totally agree with you. Conchita is such a lovely and warm-hearted person, she deserved that award and will get a lot more.
If Conchita is that all-mighty that she could arrange heavy rain over Balkans, I think she is next to God with her power. But: because she is a warm-hearted and kind person she would have sent some rain to Sahara and other areas suffering from draught instead, if it was up to her. Congratulations Conchita! You deserved the prize!
Well done, Conchita, and well done, Switzerland! We’re unstoppable.
Conchita, we just love you! You deserve the Unstoppable Award and any other prize you’ll get on your way to the Grammy. And concerning Dhani: he’s just an internet troll http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)
@dhani
Are you on drugs? or is your life THAT pathetic that you have to come to this site and stay stuff to try and shock us and get a reaction. You are very very very sad!
If conchita was representing an eastern european country, you wouldnt shut up about how great she is…your sad bro!
@Dhani have you a life? My country gave 12 to Conchita and we are fine -.-
She isn’t rude with anyone… if you hate her you can stop watching her…
@Dhani – you have it wrong. If God was mad at Conchita she would have sent the floods to Copenhagen or Austria. (Are you really this stupid?)
she’s unstoppable in being rude she won’t even apologize to what she has done to the balkans she is a monster i know before you know it she will drown all of us just like she did to the balkans !!!