However when she stepped onto the stage in Copenhagen on Saturday night, it soon became clear she had both the crowd and the television audience captivated with her epic track Rise Like A Phoenix and a voice to match.
Twitter was instantly full of demands that she sing the next Bond theme, or claims that the competition was over, we could all go home. Former favourites Sweden and Armenia were edged out of the running.
Her performance in Thursday's semi-final - which we now know she won - had a similar effect, repositioning the drag act as a serious contender for this year's Eurovision crown.
'Respect and tolerance'
The momentum behind Conchita's message of acceptance had begun more than a month earlier though, with fans around the world knitting beards to show their support as a "symbol of tolerance".
In interviews she spoke about wanting to show people "that you can achieve anything" by just being yourself "and believing in yourself".
Being awarded 12 points by a dozen countries and winning the Eurovision Song Contest will surely tick that box.
"I felt like tonight Europe showed that we are a community of respect and tolerance," said Conchita during the winner's press conference.
"However the triumph of The Netherlands in second place is a massive boost to the musicality of Eurovision," he added.
"To say a song that's quiet, very well written but not 'boom-bang-a-bang' or gimmicky at all can come second is very, very reassuring."
Dutch country duo The Common Linnets appeared to come from nowhere in this year's competition, but after making it through Tuesday's semi-final they saw a sudden flurry of bets, rising to third place in the odds.
Boos for Russia
If fans leaving the arena on Saturday night weren't discussing Conchita or
The Netherlands, they were definitely talking about Russia being booed.
Following Tuesday night's semi-final many were expecting at least part of the 10,000 strong crowd to take some kind of stand against President Putin's treatment of Ukraine and Russia's anti-gay laws. However some were surprised by just how loud a stand that was.
"Every time Russia got high points the booing was very, very loud," said Goodman, who was at the final.
BBC
Following Tuesday night's semi-final many were expecting at least part of the 10,000 strong crowd to take some kind of stand against President Putin's treatment of Ukraine and Russia's anti-gay laws. However some were surprised by just how loud a stand that was.
"Every time Russia got high points the booing was very, very loud," said Goodman, who was at the final.
BBC
Bearded lady?
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