Overview
- Tom Neuwirth announced on Instagram on January 13 that he is stepping back from the Eurovision context under his Conchita Wurst persona.
- He said he will no longer take part in events connected to the contest, which rules out appearances at the 70th-anniversary shows in Vienna this May.
- Neuwirth wrote that Eurovision had been a stage, home and springboard in his life, but that the connection will remain only as part of his history.
- He stated the decision is personal and final and that he will not comment further on it.
- Neuwirth won the contest for Austria in 2014 with "Rise Like a Phoenix" and remained a frequent ESC presence, despite ORF officials having hoped for his participation in the Vienna jubilee.