Sending a powerful message of acceptance around Europe, tonight Conchita Wurst of Austria was voted the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.
Amid a horrific onslaught of transphobic jokes on social media, the talented singer swept aside the competition to be granted the top position in the international voting.
The star's victory sets a strong message of acceptance around the continent, on a night when United Kingdom entrant Molly was voted 17th out of 26 acts, logging a respectable but unspectacular 40 points.
Conchita Wurst is the winner! (Twitter)
The BBC reported ahead of the competition that nations such as Russia, Armenia and Belarus had branded the contest "a hotbed of sodomy" simply because of Wurst's participation, and she said to journalists in response: "I can only say thank you for your attention. If this is only about me and my person, I can live with it.
"You know, I have a very thick skin. It's just strange that a little facial hair causes that much excitement."
Molly Smitten-Downes of the UK did us proud in her performance but only polled 17th place, racking up 40 points - still beating our previous entrants, Englebert Humperdinck and Bonnie Tyler.
She tweeted: "Massive congratulations to Austria. What a brilliant night! Thanks for all the support... Now time to party!! Love you all. Xx"
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