Austria's Conchita Wurst wins Eurovision amid Russia, Ukraine tensions

Was there ever a more perfect Eurovision winner than Conchita Wurst? Possessor of long, brunette locks that undulate down her shimmering gown, an alto that sounds straight out of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical circa Jesus Christ Superstar, and a beard 

VIENNA – Bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst has made a triumphant return to Austria after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in what the country's president called a victory for tolerance in Europe. Wurst drew criticism and protests from eastern Europe 

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song 'Rise Like A Phoenix' after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 Grand Final in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 10, 2014. (JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty 

VIENNA – Bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst has made a triumphant return to Austria after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in what the country's president called a victory for tolerance in Europe. Wurst drew criticism and protests from eastern Europe 

But before Conchita Wurst, the singer behind the drag act, Tom Neuwirth, was blowing away audiences as he belted out power ballads on Austrian television. In one video Neuwirth gives a touching rendition of Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone' and,