A slender and stylish "woman" with a full dark beard -- yes, a beard -- stands in the middle of the roiling battle between Russia and the West, adding to the fury of a growing confrontation. Who could have imagined it?
I'm talking about the singer Conchita Wurst,
alter ego of the Austrian artist Tom Neuwirth. Conchita
just won the hugely popular Eurovision contest with overwhelming public
support, turning herself into an instant international superstar, a fact that
is apparently driving many influential Russians into a foot-stomping rage.
In theory, Eurovision, the venerable
58-year-old European tradition, is all about good feelings and understanding
between neighbors in a continent once torn by war. In reality, it is a
competition driven by crisscrossing rivalries and subtle political overtones.
This year the competition was something to
behold.
More than 100 million viewers across dozens
of countries tuned in on Saturday night. When Austria's turn came, the camera slowly
zoomed in on the stylish figure in the golden dress standing in the middle of
the giant stage. The camera moved in to reveal a thick, well-trimmed beard
on the face of a woman with long black hair. Conchita sang "Rise Like a
Phoenix," a theme evoking personal rebirth, transformation, and triumph.
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