Azerbaijan wins Eurovision Song Contest

A pop duo from Azerbaijan has won the 2011 Eurovision song contest in Dusseldorf, Germany. Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal, known as Ell and Nikki, beat singers from 24 other countries Saturday with their classic pop ballad Running Scared. It was the first time that Azerbaijan has won the contest in the songfest's 56-year history. Azerbaijan wins Eurovision Song Contest Italy came second and Sweden third, while Switzerland finished last. The Azerbaijani duo was picked as the winner by a combination of judges and telephone voters in participating countries. Before the contest, bookmakers tipped Amaury Vassili from Corsica to win this year's top prize. Irish duo Jedward with their electro-pop song Lipstick and last year's winner, Lena, from Germany were also considered strong contenders. It is estimated that more than 120 million people watched the final of Europe's biggest songfest. (Tanjug)

Azerbaijan wins Eurovision Song Contest

Italy came second and Sweden third, while Switzerland finished last.

The Azerbaijani duo was picked as the winner by a combination of judges and telephone voters in participating countries.

Before the contest, bookmakers tipped Amaury Vassili from Corsica to win this year's top prize. Irish duo Jedward with their electro-pop song Lipstick and last year's winner, Lena, from Germany were also considered strong contenders.

It is estimated that more than 120 million people watched the final of Europe's biggest songfest.