Wurst receives statuette from Mayor
In recognition not only of her message, but also of her courage and endurance in the face of hostile and negative reactions, Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl presented Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst with the Vienna Golden Town Hall man statuette on Wednesday afternoon.
Wurst was pleased with her award, taking the opportunity to declare her loyalty to her adopted city.
"I'll definitely stay here," said the flamboyant singer, who has called Vienna home for many years already. "From day one Vienna welcomed me with an open heart. It pulses with people who live for creativity."
In recent times Wurst has had the pleasure of seeing much of the world, but "Vienna is yet to be beaten."
The miniature Town Hall Man has already been presented to Elton John, Udo Jürgens and Pele among others.
"I'm really not a music specialist, but I admire the message of tolerance, cooperation and respect," said Häupl.
"The various, occasionally negative reactions to Conchita's Song Contest win have indeed shown that these matters still definitely need to be discussed in Austria," said the mayor. "Thank you for having courage."
Numerous media representatives vied for interviews with the Song Contest winner, however spectators and fans were not admitted.
"I could not have wished for anyone better than the Mayor," Wurst told the Austrian Press Agency.
As an artist, Conchita was especially pleased her message is being heard, taken seriously and understood.
"It's great to know people who can do even more than I are on my side," she said.
As a sign of support, Wurst received not only the small golden statuette, but also a bouquet and congratulations from Vice Mayor Renate Brauner (SPÖ), Maria Vassilakou (Greens) and Councillor Sandra Frauenberger (SPÖ).
The singer also renewed her request to moderate the Green Room, the area where artists wait before and after their performances.
"I would be glad to do this," she said. "I know myself how it is when you sit there and wait until it's over. You need to be able to relax a little."
Among other things, Wurst is currently focused on an upcoming visit to the European Parliament, where she will give a speech and sing.
On Friday Conchita will open Vienna's Trachtenpärchen Ball with her anthem "Rise Like A Phoenix".
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Wurst was pleased with her award, taking the opportunity to declare her loyalty to her adopted city.
"I'll definitely stay here," said the flamboyant singer, who has called Vienna home for many years already. "From day one Vienna welcomed me with an open heart. It pulses with people who live for creativity."
In recent times Wurst has had the pleasure of seeing much of the world, but "Vienna is yet to be beaten."
The miniature Town Hall Man has already been presented to Elton John, Udo Jürgens and Pele among others.
"I'm really not a music specialist, but I admire the message of tolerance, cooperation and respect," said Häupl.
"The various, occasionally negative reactions to Conchita's Song Contest win have indeed shown that these matters still definitely need to be discussed in Austria," said the mayor. "Thank you for having courage."
Numerous media representatives vied for interviews with the Song Contest winner, however spectators and fans were not admitted.
"I could not have wished for anyone better than the Mayor," Wurst told the Austrian Press Agency.
As an artist, Conchita was especially pleased her message is being heard, taken seriously and understood.
"It's great to know people who can do even more than I are on my side," she said.
As a sign of support, Wurst received not only the small golden statuette, but also a bouquet and congratulations from Vice Mayor Renate Brauner (SPÖ), Maria Vassilakou (Greens) and Councillor Sandra Frauenberger (SPÖ).
The singer also renewed her request to moderate the Green Room, the area where artists wait before and after their performances.
"I would be glad to do this," she said. "I know myself how it is when you sit there and wait until it's over. You need to be able to relax a little."
Among other things, Wurst is currently focused on an upcoming visit to the European Parliament, where she will give a speech and sing.
On Friday Conchita will open Vienna's Trachtenpärchen Ball with her anthem "Rise Like A Phoenix".
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