Photo: WENN.com
Austria's entry into the Eurovision song contest is facing an online backlash from Eastern European conservatives, as it's performer is a bearded drag queen.
Conchita Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, is a hot favourite in the competition and is already ranked amongst the competition's top 10 entries. Wurst will perform the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix' at the annual ceremony in Copenhagan Denmark next month, representing her home country of Austria.
However Eastern European conservatives have voiced their disapproval online, choosing to start a petition to have her removed from the contest, or at the very least censored from their broadcast. The protestors originate from Belarus, Armenia and Russia.
Watch Conchita Wurst perform 'Rise Like a Phoenix' below
Armenian contestant MP3 has even chosen to hit out at Wurst directly, claiming that the bearded singer's lifestyle "is not natural". However she has responded appropriatley to the backlash, saying: "The beard is a statement to say that you can achieve anything, no matter who you are or how you look."
The Eurovision song contest will broadcast on 14 May and we highly suggest that audiences vote for Wurst, if nothing else just to show those pesky bigots who's the boss.
Below: The 10 weirdest photos from the Eurovision 2013 dress rehearsal
