GERMANY: Thousands join the Eurovision song contest party as Azerbaijan are crowned champions

Record ID: 863130

  • Title: GERMANY: Thousands join the Eurovision song contest party as Azerbaijan are crowned champions
  • Date: 15th May 2011
  • Summary: (NIGHTSHOTS) VARIOUS OF CROWD WATCHING CONTEST (7 SHOTS)
  • Embargoed: 30th May 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Germany, Germany
  • City:
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVABZ2GFCTC082ZSTY8AJAG5B8F8
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  • Story Text: The western German city of Duesseldorf was one huge party on Saturday (May 14) night, as Azerbaijan were crowned the 2011 Eurovision winners in the annual competition of 43 countries which was watched by an audience of more than 100 million people.
    Eldar Gasimov and Niga Jamal, known as Ell/Nikki, won with their love song duet "Running Scared". Italy finished in second place while Sweden was third in the 56th annual edition of the contest that is famous for light entertainment and heavy-duty kitsch.
    Apart from the 36,000 fans who watched the show live in the Duesseldorf Arena, thousands more lined the streets and squares of the city. Large screens were erected in the centre to give fans the chance to join in the lively atmosphere with warm weather adding to the party feeling.
    Many of those attending the street parties, seemed surprised and even a bit disappointed by the final outcome of the competition.
    "We didn't really think they (Blue) would win. UK were the best. Azerbaijan was also ok but but it was such a shame. The French only got a few points," said Isco Hercuma, holding a British flag and wearing an English knight's costume.
    "You have to say that the others were better. Last year she (Lena) had the advantage of being something new but this year, well it had been seen before, and the others were better," Thomas Schroeder, who had his face painted the German colours of red, black and gold, told Reuters TV.
    "I didn't like it so much. The winner, I didn't like it. I think that Italy and Sweden were better, and Greece of course," said Greek fan Nora Swetza.
    But there were also some Azerbaijani fans in the city who could be seen proudly flying their flags and celebrating the victory.
    The show, which has become the largest live non-sporting event on television, was broadcast from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caspian Sea.
    The Eurovision Song Contest has been a launching pad for international careers. Swedish pop group Abba became famous after winning in 1974 with "Waterloo" and Canada's Celine Dion took top honours in 1988 while competing for Switzerland.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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