My husband and I lovingly call Eurovision 2014 the “Year of Awesome.” I’ve watched the European song contest since the ’90s, but I can’t remember falling in love with so many acts. We still regularly bust out The Common Linnets, Pollaponk, Carl Espen, Basim, Paula Seling & Ovi, and more. We insist that on any other year, they could have taken the title. But it was the queen, Conchita Wurst, who held that trophy aloft. That she beat out such quality acts is testament to her magnetism. Her James Bond theme-esque “Rise Like a Phoenix” was a modern masterpiece, but her diva delivery added that exquisite X factor. She remains one of my favourite Eurovision winners to this day. My husband and I saw her at the Sydney Opera House on her debut Australian tour and we were back for more at the State Theatre last night.
This time around Conchita was sharing the spotlight with Trevor Ashley, one of her special guests on the previous tour. Trevor kicked off festivities, looking resplendent with a blonde wig and sparkly silver ensemble. I was in raptures through renditions of some of my favourite camp classics, hits from Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, Peter Allen and the like. It was fabulous fun, a celebration of stellar vocals and theatrical performances. The accompaniment of that incredible orchestra elevated the songs even further, giving them just the right amount of gravitas.
I was having such a grand time with Trevor that I didn’t mind how long Conchita kept us waiting. When she did eventually grace the stage though, it was worth the wait. She’s ditched the long wigs, preferring the rock her natural cropped do these days. She’s beautiful either way, and looking every inch the star with her own sparkly silver dress and matching Christian Louboutin heels. Yes, I am envious. Conchita’s first set focused on her originals rather than singalong show tunes but I was still transfixed. She has so much charisma and her vocals are flawless. What a talent she is!
The second act saw more fabulous frocks and a greater emphasis on collaboration. Trevor and Conchita’s affection for one another is obvious and they bounce off each other delightfully. I loved their take on “Colours of the Wind” from Pocahontas and duelling James Bond themes: “Diamonds Are Forever” for Trevor, “The Writing’s on the Wall” for Conchita, a duet of “Goldfinger” and Trevor’s Shirley Bassey-take on Adele’s “Skyfall.” It wasn’t the only time Trevor surprised us with a perhaps not to surprising Shirley Bassey-esque cover. I couldn’t imagine how the glamorous Welsh Dame would sound belting out Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” but I’d be surprised if it didn’t sound just like Trevor’s rendition. Absolute genius. Special guest Kate Miller-Heidke also graced the stage in this half of the show. We were all keen to hear “Zero Gravity” but she made us wait a little, treating us instead to a number from her opera for kids, The Rabbits. It was another unexpected choice, but a beautiful one. And when she did finally get to last year’s Eurovision highlight, we got goosebumps. Conchita teased an early exit, but there was no way she could leave before “Rise Like a Phoenix.” I’ve seen her perform it countless times since 2014 but it has lost none of its potency. What a fitting end to a gloriously camp night with two, no, make that three, of the world’s greatest divas.
Image source: own photos
Unlike so many Eurovision winners, Conchita has refused to fade away. She’s visited Australia several times since her big win, but last Thursday was her first full-length concert in Sydney. And didn’t she do it in style. Backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, on the stage of the Opera House’s concert hall, supported by some of the best talents in the land, this show was so deserving of the diva.
Conchita started the night paying tribute to one of her greatest inspirations, Dame Shirley Bassey. “Where Do I Begin?” was such a fitting introduction to the night, easing us into the performance before Trevor Ashley, appearing as Ms Bassey herself, joined Conchita for a stunning cover of “Diamonds are Forever.” Never one to hog the limelight, Conchita graciously stepped aside to give “Shirley” her moment on “Goldfinger.” Dame Shirley’s shoes are big ones to fill, but Trevor’s vocals and mannerisms were spot on.
The night continued in much the same vein, with Conchita treating us to some of her favourite covers and tracks from her own album, interspersed with anecdotes about her journey and life after Eurovision. She was joined every now and again by our homegrown acts. Courtney Act seems like she’s only gotten stronger since Australian Idol. She joined Conchita for “River Deep, Mountain High” because going solo with an emotional performance of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
Paul Capsis showed why he’s one of Australia’s most acclaimed cabaret performers, joining Conchita for a breathtaking cover of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” The enthusiasm with which he performed Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” was something to behold.
On paper Guy Sebastian might have seemed a little out of place, a fairly vanilla addition on such a fabulously colourful night. However, reprising his breakout Australian Idol performance of “Climb Every Mountain” with Conchita was sublime. “Tonight Again,” the song he sang at Eurovision, was the perfect solo song for this crowd.
There were so many stars, but none shone brighter than Conchita. She anchored the evening beautifully, performing with such elegance and style. She has so much charisma and one of the best voices I’ve heard. I was feeling a little fatigue after so many concerts close together, but as I rose to my feet and confetti rained down while Conchita waved goodbye, I was on cloud nine. What a way to end such a busy concert period.