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Austria has won the Eurovision Song Contest twice: once in 1966 and again in 2014, meaning it holds the record for the longest gap between consecutive wins… 48 years.
Having finished sixth in 1964 and fourth in 1965, it was Udo Jurgens who won for Austria on his third attempt with the song Merci Chérie – and it would be the country’s only top 3 finish in the 20th Century.
A second Austrian win came in 2014 courtesy of bearded drag artist Conchita Wurst and her anthem Rise Like A Phoenix.
Upon being awarded the Eurovision trophy, Conchita held it aloft and proclaimed:
‘This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom – you know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable.’
She later confirmed that this was a message meant for politicians who oppose LGBTQ+ rights.
After both victories, host broadcaster ORF opted to stage the Contest in the capital city, Vienna.