"The Eurovision Song Contest has shaped my life. It was my stage, my home, my springboard, and a chapter for which I am deeply grateful,"
"As an artist, change is my greatest constant. From now on, I am withdrawing from the Eurovision context. I am moving on to focus on other professional projects and to let new things evolve."
"My decision is personal and I will not comment on it further,"
"unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk"
Thomas Neuwirth, known as Conchita Wurst, will withdraw from the Eurovision context indefinitely to pursue other professional projects and to let new things evolve. Eurovision shaped his life and launched his career, including the 2014 win with the operatic pop ballad Rise Like A Phoenix. Eurovision will remain connected to his past, but he does not want it to be part of his next steps. He signed off with his out-of-drag name, Tom, and described the decision as personal. The withdrawal coincides with a growing boycott of the 2026 contest in Austria, with five countries refusing to participate in protest over the EBU allowing Israel to remain in the competition amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis.
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