As 2014 draws to a close, we can look back at one of the stand-out Eurovision Song Contest year’s of the competition’s 59 year history. Austria’s victory marked more than just a second win for the small landlocked nation at the heart of Europe, it made a statement about Europe’s acceptance of people, no matter what their ethnic origin, gender or sexual preference may be. Conchita Wurst’s victory in character as the glamour lady with a beard somewhat overshadowed her achievements as a quality vocalist with a powerful musical piece. So too is the race for victory with The Netherlands’ Common Linnets pushing her all the way and Swedish superstar Sanna Nielsen claiming perhaps a disappointing third place. No countries from the former Soviet Union or Yugoslavia featured in the top three, Turkey’s diaspora did not automatically turn to Azerbaijan and the Greek and Albanian diaspora deserted their traditional antics.Read More