“Gustaph’s Emotional Press Conference After Eurovision Semi-Final Qualification”

Gustaph received a very loud applause when he spoke in the press room after qualifying. The foreign press had also noticed that he is also held in high esteem by the public, as an authentic person in the queer community. And that comes in to an emotional Gustaph. “I look like a panda, I don’t want to cry again. But I want to be honest: I was a little scared when we were waiting for the results. The little voice in my head said: they are not going to accept this. It’s really moving because it’s a queer message, about positivity, inclusion and just plain joy, that has been embraced by Europe. That’s great, not just for me but for every queer person. That’s really something, and it really touched me. I promise to give everything for Belgium.’

When asked about his feeling after his performance, he quickly replies with a witticism. ‘I am 42 years old, but I will have a heart attack if this continues. (laughs) It’s a bit of a mindfuck for everyone when you’re on that stage.’

And the hat also remains the topic of conversation. The thing takes half an hour to set up, and it is well secured with combs. It’s not completely pain free. “I got a lobotomy right when I put it on right,” he says. “But luckily, I’m still alive.” How much is his hat collection worth now? ‘I think I would have a nice savings book if I didn’t spend that money on fashion and my accessories. My husband is mad at me because we don’t have room for accessories anymore. Still, I keep buying them. It’s a problem, I’m still looking for a proper support group.’

Second half final

The ‘Because of you’ singer thus easily wraps everyone around his finger. The two presenters of the press conference had to finish after four questions, and once again Gustaph received a very loud applause. Even in the foreign press only words of praise are heard. They notice his act, his positivity, but also how nice he is to everyone. For those who still doubted: Gustaph is loved by everyone.

He can prove that again in the final on Saturday. He was assigned to the interesting second half, where he will start sixteenth out of twenty-six. Just after Australia, which is a pop metal song, and before quiet but beautiful Armenia. Austria and their Edgar Allan Poe fans get to kick things off. The crazy gang of the Croats are scheduled penultimate, just before closing UK.