Russia’s “ZD-Awards 2014” ceremony, set to take place on February 23rd, could be about to get a whole lot more interesting. The festival has a long story in Russia starting in 1975 and every year it awards different performers in different nominations. This year has a very special performer nominated in the “International Artist” category though – Conchita Wurst.

It’s not that surprising that Conchita was nominated in itself: after all, “The Queen of Austria” came third in the Russian televoting and “Rise Like a Phoenix” was a popular song in Russia. The ZD-Awards are awarded based on internet voting in all the twenty categories. Conchita has every chance to win, which might mean that she could be hitting the red carpet in Moscow.

There may be other benefits other than awards to claim for Conchita, too. She has previously stated that she would like to meet Vladimir Putin as “she wants to understand the President better”. This could be her chance to make that meeting a reality.

However, this trip to Russia could also be very complicated if she were to do so. Last year, Conchita reportedly agreed to perform in Moscow, but only on certain conditions. She wanted to feel safe and, therefore, the Russian organisers promised to provide complete privacy and security at a closed party, where only a chosen selection would be invited to see the performance. The ZD-Awards, on the other hand, are completely open to the Russian audience and anyone can buy a ticket to see the show, which is taking place at the Kremlin Palace. Whilst we’re sure their security there is tight, it would only take a couple of troublemakers to possibly start something very unsavoury with Conchita around.

What do y’all think then: would you like to see Conchita head over to Russia? And do you really think that she could even win the award? Let us know in the comments below!

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George from Spain
George from Spain
8 years ago

Hi. Please I want to ask a question to any Russian who hates Conchita Wurst. Why in 2007 you didn’t protess against Verka Serduchka, Ukraine’s entry for that year. I’m really curious. is verka serduchka any different than conchita wurst???

ESCaddict
ESCaddict
9 years ago

If Conchita went to Russia it would show that freedom to be who you are is unstoppable. It would also be good for Russia. It would show they are not as anti-gay as they are portrayed. It would build bridges.

Vadim
Vadim
9 years ago

I´m from Russia. Yes, it´s a quiet homophobic country but it´s not so bad as it can seem. If Conchita is provided with good guards, she will be safe ans sound. The new Russian generation is a lot more tolerant. And there are loads of Conchita´s fans here. We even made a video for her http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scY7wkTO_T0

Alexanderized
Alexanderized
9 years ago

*eyesrolled*

Oh, my God, sweet Conchita going to far barbarian Russia – what can happen to her there?!

Drama, drama, drama…

D
D
9 years ago

Why is it such a big deal she’s going to Russia? I’ve been there many times and it’s a beautiful place. Every time I’ve been there I’ve seen gay couples holding hands in public, kissing on the cheek, etc, people give Russia such a bad reputation. Only their president is a psychopath, actual Russians are quite nice. If Conchita was going to per say, Iran, that’d be an interesting story.

alex
alex
9 years ago

she wouldn’t be attacked if there is security. plus it would harm russia’s image and there would be problems between Austria/EU and Russia.

Conchita should do it that would be a big plus in her career and get more attention although i’m not sure the organisers would ask her to attend if the Russian authorities do not want

R?ta
R?ta
9 years ago

Thinking about all Russian fans, I guess it would be nice if they could finally see Conchita perform in their country. Maybe that would be the one and only time that would be possible, but I got nervous just reading this article. I’m most likely just exaggerating, but I can’t imagine Conchita leaving Russia alive. Or at least completely healthy and well. I even had a dream once that she got shot on stage, and to this day I still can’t shake it. So, with all due respect to every Russian unstoppable, I do strongly believe, that Conchita should not… Read more »

Carla
Carla
9 years ago

Russia is a dangerous country for people like her. Russia don’t care about Freedom and Human Rights.

ConchitaFanRUS
9 years ago

OMG!!
CONCHITA THE BEST!
Russian love you so so so so much!?

Anne
Anne
9 years ago

No, Conchita should’t go, it’s much too dangerous. Russian organizers can’t guarantee her safety, and I think we all have heard how minorities are treated in that country. If it were just some small group that is anti-gay, it would be ok to go, but it’s the governments’ policy and that’s really scary.

Nadezhda
Nadezhda
9 years ago

As says the Russian well known newspaper, Moskovsky Komsomolets, Conchita won’t be in Kremlin to receive the award, but ZD is going to Eurovision 2015 to give it to her. If you know Russian, you can read this: http://www.mk.ru/culture/2015/02/19/zd-awards-120000-muzbolelshhikov-vynesli-verdikt.html
Sorry for bad English.

Khan
Khan
9 years ago

She will need a Conchitamobile

Bronson
Bronson
9 years ago

Conchita being present in Russia is a good thing, but things could go awful. I hate to bring it up, but she could be attacked, assassinated, assaulted…… When it comes to sensitive subjects like this, one or two people is all it takes.