Conchita Wurst has said other countries should participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, following Australia’s entry in this year’s competition.

The reigning champion is thrilled at Australia’s involvement this year for the contest’s 60th anniversary, with the grand final airing on BBC One on May 23.

“I think that’s great. I’m so excited. I would love to have the whole world involved in this beautiful concept of the Eurovision Song Contest,” she said.

“I love Eurovision because once a year, it’s the biggest music event on the planet. It’s over the top, it’s ridiculously colourful. Most important to me, you can come as you are, you can do whatever you want on stage.

“If you want to come as a bearded lady, there’s no one in the entire Eurovision family who will say you’re not allowed to do so. I think that’s just so beautiful.”

But Conchita joked that Queen of Pop Madonna should be banned from representing the US – because she would have an unfair advantage.

Madonna (John Shearer/Invision/AP)
Madonna (John Shearer/Invision/AP)

“I would like the whole world to join Eurovision because that would be fun, but maybe not (let) Madonna do it because nobody would have a chance,” she said.

The bearded lady Austria has become a role model for the LGBT community after winning the show with her rousing performance of Rise Like A Phoenix.

“I’ve got many messages from social media saying they were inspired by what I did and what I said, and it’s still unbelievable to me. I can’t understand it because I’m just me and I’m not the Dalai Lama,” she admitted.

“It’s a huge honour that people think of me as an icon or a role model, but I don’t see myself that way. I don’t feel a responsibility or pressure because I never promised anything. I’m not perfect. I also say stupid things.”

The 26-year-old singer, who said she is “living her dream”, said she never expected to win.

Conchita Wurst Eurovision
Conchita Wurst won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

“I didn’t expect anything. I took part in the Eurovision Song Contest wishing I would get a good place,” she explained.

“And the only goal I had for myself was to enjoy it and collect experiences, getting inspired and this definitely happened. But I didn’t expect to win.”

She said it would be tough to predict this year’s winner. Bookies have tipped Sweden to be one of the favourites, alongside Russia, Italy, Azerbaijan and Norway.

“It’s quite tough to win this time because each and every song I’ve heard is very strong and so different,” she said.

Conchita teased it would be a brilliant competition to watch.

She added: “I don’t want to sound like your grandmother, but get rid of expectations – just enjoy. I know it’s going to be fabulous.”

The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 airs on Saturday (May 23) on BBC One at 8pm, with UK coverage hosted by Graham Norton.