There may also have been a political element to Austria's victory, despite the Eurovision organisers' efforts to focus our attention on the singing. Russia's act, the Tolmachevy Sisters, had the awkward task of representing their country (and, by proxy, Vladimir Putin) against the backdrop of violence and upheaval in Ukraine, but also in the wake of increasingly strict Russian anti-LGBT laws.
During Russia's performance, many members of the audience booed while others stood stock still, holding rainbow flags above their heads. Were votes for Austria also tacit votes against Russia? When Conchita finally collected her trophy, she said to the viewers: "This is for all of you... we are unstoppable."
Music, politics and passion: are these the hallmarks of Eurovision? In Britain, the contest is often derided and considered daft and irrelevant. But across Europe it keeps finding ways to make the headlines.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/eurovision-2014-russia-booed-by-crowd-during-final-9350249.html
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eurovision-2014-ten-reasons-why-austrian-drag-queen-conchita-wurst-must-win-1447871
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/eurovision-2014-russia-booed-by-crowd-during-final-9350249.html
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eurovision-2014-ten-reasons-why-austrian-drag-queen-conchita-wurst-must-win-1447871
