Eurovision sensation Conchita Wurst's stunning transformation: beyond recognition

Even if you're not a Eurovision fan, you might still remember Conchita Wurst's striking performance as the 'bearded lady.' Exactly nine years ago, Thomas Neuwirth, who gained fame as Conchita Wurst, became a global talking point. Neuwirth's stage presence was marked by an incredible voice and a captivating image featuring long, black hair, pronounced facial hair, and makeup. Compared to then, he looks a different person now.

The stage name and makeup might have continued, but spotting Conchita Wurst on the street today could be challenging. The singer posts recent pictures on his Instagram profile, where over 400 thousand individuals follow him. As far as we know, despite the years passing, Wurst continues his career, which encompasses music and activism.

In 2014, "Conchita Wurst" was among the most frequently googled phrases. Thomas Neuwirth has been involved in numerous activist efforts, including advocating for people living with HIV, a status he revealed on social media platforms in 2018. He's also made a name in modeling, posing for the late Karl Lagerfeld, a renowned designer for Chanel.

It's worth mentioning that Conchita Wurst uses female pronouns only while performing on stage. Off-stage, he uses male pronouns and is not a trans woman, contrary to speculations. His image has sparked substantial interest, even causing controversy among politicians irritated by his "feminine" appearance.

However, Conchita responded positively to their criticism by calling it "the highest compliment".

"It's the highest compliment when high-ranking politicians use my name to express their anger. (…) For me, a perfect world is one in which we don't have to discuss our sexuality, where we're from, or what we believe in. Are these the worst things according to politicians?" he questioned during one of the interviews following his Eurovision victory.