Austria wins 2014 Eurovision Song Contest / The Netherlands finish second!!!

Austria has won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. 

Conchita Wurst's 'Rise Like a Phoenix' emerged victorious at this year's competition, ending the night with 290 points.

"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," Wurst told the assembled crowd after winning.

Conchita Wurst performing "Rise like a Phoenix"

The Common Linnets (a duo formed by Ilse DeLange and Waylon from the Netherlands) were runners-up, with their song 'Calm After the Storm' earning 238 points.

The Common Linnets: Calm After the Storm

This year's ceremony was held at the B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was a huge success on Dutch television. The music program was broadcast on NOS/Nederland 1 and attracted 5.095.000 viewers (market share: 65%)! That's practically one in three of the Dutch population!!!

Last month, Patty Brard wrote a column about Conchita Wurst whose participation was controversial (see news posted on April 9th, 2014). In her text, the diva also mentioned "The Common Linnets" (a duo formed by Ilse DeLange and Waylon). Initially, she didn't believe in the potential of their song although she really appreciated these artists. Hoewever, José Hoebee posted a favourable message about the Dutch entry. The former lead singer of Luv' told that she was a fan of their track from the very start.

The Dutch can be proud of their achievement. It was the Netherlands best result in Eurovision since Teach-In won in 1975 with "Ding a Dong". DeLange and Waylon said in a reaction they are 'super proud' of how well they did.

"Calm after storm" by The Common Linnets has received many positive reviews from abroad. British newspaper Metro described the track as 'perhaps the most simple ever seen at the Eurovision Song Contest'. 'It has just three chords and the first half of the song is shown in a single camera take,' the paper wrote. As a foretaste of their victory, Conchita Wurst and The Common Linnets won the Marcel Bezonçon Awards shortly before the Final. 

The Common Linnets won the Marcel Bezonçon Awards prior to the Final of the Eurovision Song Contest

Source: DutchNews.nl, Eurovision.tv, NOS, Patty Brard & José Hoebee's Facebook Page...