Conchita Wurst thinks the Eurovision song contest is like the "gay Olympics".
The ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’ hitmaker – who triumphed in the 2014 competition – has likened the singing contest to the international sporting event.
She told the Guardian newspaper travel supplement: "The Eurovision song contest is like the gay Olympics – and I say this with all my love. I’m really looking forward to the show in Vienna."
The 26-year-old drag queen will be taking an active role in this year’s show, which takes place in Vienna, Austria on May 23, hosting the coverage in the green room.
Kathrin Zechner, from broadcaster ORF, said previously: "[Conchita] won the contest with her personality, voice and song for Austria. She did not take the first but the most powerful Austrian step in the fight for self-determination and respect in Europe and the world.
"The slogan of the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna is Building Bridges, which stands for bridges between countries, age groups, tradition and contemporary, supported by the pillars of respect and self-determination.
"For me it is important to make these powerful, society-shaping women visible to an audience of some 200 million Europeans in a show Austria can be proud of."
Conchita Wurst says Eurovision song contest is like the ‘gay Olympics’
