Dana International and Conchita Wurst make Eurovision history
Ground-breaking Eurovision artists Dana International and Conchita Wurst have performed together for the first time.
The pair performed a cover of ABBA’s hit ‘Waterloo’ as part of the Eurovision Song Contest’s 60th Anniversary show – which will be broadcast in the UK on Friday.
Israeli singer Dana International made history in 1998 when she won the contest in Birmingham – the first transgender person to ever take home the crown.
Bearded Austrian drag artist Conchita Wurst scored an epic victory in Copenhagen last year, becoming the first drag queen to ever win the contest.
The pair – who had also separately performed their winning songs ‘Diva’ and Rise Like a Phoenix’ – came out together holding hands during the show’s finale, performing the iconic ABBA track.
The two singers also shared a moment together on stage as all the featured artists – along with hosts Graham Norton and Petra Mede – rounded off the show.
There has long been tension between some parts of the trans and drag communities – with legendary drag bar ‘Trannyshack’ recently agreeing to change its name to ‘T-Shack’ after complaints it was offensive to transgender people.
Drag artist RuPaul has also hit out at some members of the trans community in the past, for objecting to his use of the words “tranny” and “shemale”.
Conchita has become a champion for LGBT rights since winning Eurovision last year – performing at both the United Nations and European Parliament.
The special show was filmed at the Hammersmith Apollo, and will be broadcast to 25 countries across Europe. It will air on BBC1 at 9pm on Friday.
