Azerbaijan’s journey in the Eurovision Song Contest since their debut in 2008 has been nothing short of impressive. Their first entry, “Day After Day” by Elnur & Samir, made a significant impact, securing a respectable 8th place in Belgrade. The song’s dramatic on-stage performance, coupled with its soaring high notes, left a lasting impression and marked a memorable debut for Azerbaijan in the Eurovision arena, captivating audiences and earning the country recognition among Eurovision fans.

Azerbaijan has indeed emerged as a remarkable success story in its relatively brief tenure in the Eurovision Song Contest. Out of the 16 times it has participated, Azerbaijan has consistently made it to the Grand Final, showcasing an impressive 81% success rate since their debut. During this period, the country has achieved seven Top 10 finishes, reflecting a statistically notable 44% chance of securing such placements. However, achieving Top 10 rankings has become somewhat more challenging since 2014, potentially attributed to stricter voting controls. Despite occasional hurdles, Azerbaijan’s track record of reaching the Grand Final remains formidable. Only twice has the country failed to advance to the final stage—in 2018 with Aisel Mammadova’s “X My Heart” and last year with TuralTuran’s “Tell Me More.” In the 2021 contest held in Rotterdam, Efendi delivered an outstanding performance of “Mata Hari,” securing a respectable 20th place in the final. This illustrates that even exceptional entries from Azerbaijan may not always yield favorable outcomes, highlighting the unpredictability of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Eurovision Song Contest holds considerable significance in Azerbaijan, captivating the nation’s interest and generating widespread enthusiasm. It serves as a premier platform for the Azerbaijani music industry to exhibit its talents to a global audience. The contest offers an invaluable opportunity for Azerbaijani artists to showcase their creativity and musical prowess on an international stage, fostering cultural exchange and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage to audiences worldwide.

While votes from ex-Soviet countries have contributed to Azerbaijan’s success in the Eurovision Song Contest, it’s essential to recognize the country’s consistent delivery of modern and high-quality performances that reflect its unique cultural identity. Despite the predominant use of English in their entries, Azerbaijani songs often incorporate elements of Azeri culture, thanks to collaborations with international composers. A prime example is Azerbaijan’s victory in 2011 with “Running Scared” by Ell & Nikki. Furthermore, hosting the event in 2012 at the magnificent Crystal Hall, specially constructed for the occasion, was a significant achievement backed by the highest levels of government. The Eurovision Song Contest in Baku was notable for being the most south-eastern edition of the contest to date, and its visually stunning spectacle remains a cherished memory for many.