Azerbaijan
The basics Full country name Republic of Azerbaijan Capital Baku Facts First participation 2008 (Elnur & Samir) Victories 2011 (Ell/Nikki) Hosts Baku 2012
Azerbaijan made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008. The country is known as the Land of Fire and is the home of the world's first oil well, dug in the mid-1800s. Azerbaijan since their debut in 2008 has never missed the final and won the competition in 2011 with 'Running Scared' performed by Ell and Nikki.
Azerbaijan is a relative latecomer to the Eurovision family, having made its debut in 2008. with Day After Day performed by Elnur and Samir. The duo finished eighth and sparked a series of successes for the country which culminated in Ell and Nikki's win in 2011 with Running Scared. To commemorate the moment, Azerbaijan issued a special postage stamp dedicated to Ell & Nikki's victory.
The 2012 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Azerbaijan's capital Baku and success in the competition continued when Sabina Babayeva finished fourth on home ground with When The Music Dies. Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that continues to have a 100% qualification record for the Grand Final. Read more about Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sabina Babayeva represented Azerbaijan on home ground with the song When The Music Dies in 2012. The entry placed fourth in the Grand Final and also won the Marcel Bezençon Press Award. Farid Mammadov flew the Azeri flag in 2013 with the song Hold Me which won the Marcel Bezençon Artistic Award.
