Austria's "bearded lady" wins Eurovision

Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst addresses a news conference after winning the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest at the B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen, May 11, 2014.

Wurst, popularly known as "the bearded lady," won the contest on Saturday with the James Bond-theme-like ballad "Rise Like a Phoenix", before a global TV audience of about 180 million people in 45 countries.

Eurovision Song Contest

Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst gestures during an interview with Reuters in Vienna, April 24, 2014.

Wurst will took to the European stage as Austria's contender for Eurovision, the song contest that pits nation versus nation and launched the global careers of ABBA and Celine Dion, Wurst's idol.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria celebrates after winning the grand final of the 59th Eurovision Song Contest at the B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen, May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix" during the grand final of the 59th Eurovision Song Contest, May 10,2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix," May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix," May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix" after winning the grand final of the 59th Eurovision Song Contest, May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria reacts after winning the grand final of the 59th Eurovision Song Contest, May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Conchita Wurst representing Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix," May 10, 2014.

Eurovision Song Contest

Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst poses with the trophy after winning the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest, May 11, 2014.