The winner of the 2014 contest has received an outpouring of love on social media
Conchita Wurst of Austria was the star of last night's Eurovision Song Contest, winning the competition and receiving an outpouring of love and support on Twitter.
With her powerful ballad Rise Like A Phoenix, Conchita was the clear winner of the night, beating 25 other acts including United Kingdom entrant Molly who came in at 17th, logging a respectable but unspectacular 40 points.
Conchita's inclusion in the annual singing contest has been the talk of Copenhagen all week, with the singer quickly becoming the star of the contest even before she took to the stage for the final.
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, with prominent figures from Russia in particular posting hateful, homophobic tweets during her win last night.
Huge congrats to Eurovision winner Conchita! (Splash News)
Speaking to journalists in response to the furore before her win though, Conchita declared: "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."
When she picked up her trophy, an emotional Conchita again spread the message of unity and love as she told the huge crowd in Denmark and millions of TV viewers:
"This night is dedicated to all who believe in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable!"
Celebs were out in force on Twitter to congratulate the winner. Molly tweeted her love for the star, "Massive congratulations to Austria. What a brilliant night! Thanks for all the support... Now time to party!! Love you all".
John Bishop tweeted:
It's only a song contest but tonight it showed talent can overcome prejudice and ignorance. Well done Conchita - I am glad I saw that moment
— John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) May 10, 2014
Boy George added:
Gorge. A vote for gay solidarity!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) May 10, 2014
Viewers from across Europe were also delighted with the result with one fan tweeting: "If you don't think Conchita absolutely slayed Eurovision you are wrong Perfect result".
"Absolutely delighted Conchita won #eurovision. Feels like the world is a little bit of a better place this evening. :-)" another added, while one Conchita devotee decided big things were in store for the Eurovision champ:
"Conchita to be the next Doctor Who companion, X Factor judge and Bond girl."
