Eurovision is one of the most popular international events in the calendar, with millions tuning in from all over the world to enjoy the talent on show. But how many of the winners enter mainstream music afterwards, or do much else for that matter? Well, Austria’s 2014 entry has had multiple interesting careers since her win ten years ago, and they are explored in one particularly unique publication, fitting for a particularly unique person.
Being Conchita explores the life and times of Conchita Wurst, who propelled her Austrian home to Eurovision championship in 2014 with Rise Like a Phoenix. Exploring her life, career, the competition and the famous faces she has met along the way, Wurst’s book is an insight into the life of a gender non-conforming drag queen and how she was propelled to fame, and the career that has developed since, including performing, modelling and activism.
Conchita Wurst is no less than an icon. You simply have to start reading this book to realise just how much of an inspiration this person is. The lengths she has gone in her career and the things she has achieved in her own community, for Austria and even for Europe through her work with the European Parliament is simply extraordinary. Her recount of these events is clear, easy to follow and deeply intriguing to read whilst also being incredibly entertaining.
I particularly enjoyed her account of Eurovision 2014, how she came to be Austria’s nominee and subsequently won it, and also the time she dedicates to her adventures with Jean-Paul Gaultier, the fashion designer. It is a crossing of worlds that you couldn’t imagine and yet it was there, in multiple chapters and amazing in each. The fact that these two enjoy such a close friendship is so unexpected and yet seems to match perfectly with both of their individual identities. Fascinating to read about and even more so to see.
The book contains two image inserts, showing in beautiful clarity some of the scenes that you read about and this is just the cherry on top of the book because it shows everything she has accomplished and talks about right in front of you. Whether it’s Conchita walking along with celebrity friends, her at Eurovision, or even childhood images, you feel a new connection looking at these images. I always appreciate when books such as these have image insertions, and the ones here simply highlight and echo the important words in a brilliant way. Each has been beautifully selected and it gives the book that final push it needs to be a great read.
I really enjoyed this book. I had never heard of Conchita Wurst before reading it and she has quickly become an iconic figure to both me and the world she inspired at Eurovision ten years ago. Written well, with high quality image inclusions and at times brutal honesty, this book shows just what can be accomplished and the incredible feats that can be reached, both in your main career and others you embark on later in life.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Being Conchita (ISBN: 978-1-78418-649-4) was published in 2015. A copy is available to borrow from the LGBTQ+ Lending Library in the LGBTQ+ Lounge
