Bearded Eurovision star Conchita Wurst has said she is “not comfortable” with being seen as a gay “icon”.
The Rise Like A Phoenix singer, who won the competition last year, said she preferred to be herself.
“I’m not really comfortable (with it) if I’m honest, because I don’t see myself as an icon, I’m just representing myself in the first place,” the Austrian drag artist said.
Speaking at the Eurovision Greatest Hits concert at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, she said: “I mean, it’s an honour, but I think to become an icon or be a role model you need to put an effort in, you know what I mean? And it takes no effort to be myself.
“So I really will keep on speaking for my beliefs and fighting for what I think is right and if there are people to join me I would welcome them very warmly.”
Conchita added that she was impressed by Graham Norton’s new beard.
She said: “Actually, I’ve seen his beard on Instagram and I thought: Oh my God, he looks really handsome, and I hope he keeps it.”
Asked whether One Direction could ever replace Zayn Malik, who recently quit the band, she said: “I think you have to accept everyone’s decisions.
“They will keep on making their own music. I don’t know if they need a replacement.”
And asked about her experience singing at Pride London she said: “Pride in London was just overwhelming there were so many people and the welcome was just overwhelming.
“I’ve been to many Prides in the last year and each and every event is outstandingly great. The same way was with London being there and meeting all the artists. I have good memories.
“Of course I will come back to London. I will be here, I will be around. The last year has been overwhelming and I really hope this will never end.”
Her advice to British contestants hoping to win the next Eurovision Song Contest was to be themselves and to be patient.
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