One of the newer countries in the Eurovision Song Contest is Azerbaijan. The Caucasian republic had it’s debut in Belgrade 2008 with a very extraordinary performance called “Day after Day” by Elnur & Samir. Having all three Caucasian countries in the ESC has been seen as a great enhancement in general, there were many outstanding songs. The music scene is not the biggest in these countries, so the ESC is also a very important event, maybe more important than for other countries. Hence, the good entries have been honoured with great respect and points! Azerbaijan has participated three times already, all songs have reached the Top 10: “Day after Day” by Elnur & Samir (#8) in 2008, “Always” by AySel & Arash (#3) in 2009 and “Drip Drop” by Safura (#5) last year in Oslo. The Azerbaijani really would love to win the ESC, and they have already won the Junior Eurovision last year. The capital Baku is a very European and also modern city, where a huge event like the Eurovision Song Contest easily could be held.

With a good song and good singers a good place is realistic, if you look at Lena, who had a great success all over Europe and even beyond. So this year, Azerbaijan’s chances are really high to follow Germany’s steps in winning the contest. Ell & Nikki is a very sympathetic duo, chosen in the national final in Baku in early February. The song has been written by a very popular Swedish-Icelandic composer duo Sandra Bjurman and Stefan Örn, who also wrote songs for Madonna, Take That and also last year’s entry “Drip Drop”. The song “Running Scared” has a beautiful melody, with a very memorable chorus, sounds a bit 80’s though. With the very good starting position #18 in the first semi final, a place in the final Ell & Nikki is granted already. With this song Azerbaijan is able to win the ESC, more than ever before. Good luck!