Winner's Press Conference: "We want to bring Europe together"

Winner's Press Conference: "We want to bring Europe together"
Ell/Nikki at the winners press conference. Photo: Pieter Van den Berghe (EBU)
Düsseldorf, Germany -

Ell/Nikki from Azerbaijan won the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with 221 points and spoke about their victory at the winner's press conference.

Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell/Nikki) from Azerbaijan were obviously ecstatic when they entered the press conference room at the Düsseldorf Arena, cheering and waving flags and of course showing off their trophy. Fans from Azerbaijan cheered them on enthusiastically as they walked in.

The waiting photographers clambered to get a look at the pair and take a few photographs.

Both Eldar and Nigar thanked the audience saying "the one thing we want to say is, we just love you. Thank you for your support".

The pair then went on to sing a song in Azeri, which was warmly received by the press and fans watching them in the room.

Thankful for every vote

Tears were in the eyes of both the guys, who thanked their family and grandparents who are no longer with us.

"Everyone who gave a vote, everyone who loved our song, everyone who believed in us, thank you very much", said Nigar.

"From the first day I believed we would get it, that we would win", said Eldar.

Congratulations from the Azeri and international press.

They were asked what their message for Azerbaijan is by a member of the press. Eldar replied, "we want to thank all Azerbaijan for their support and Azeri television". Nigar said, "thank god, thanks for believing in us".

An Azeri journalist asked what would happen when they arrive home. Nigar said, "I think they will go mad".

One fan asked if the pair have plans to release any more records to which Eldar replied, "we will start working on that straight away. We will try to do that".

Asked about how the pair will celebrate their victory, they said "we are just going to party, aren't we?" to which they received a raptuous response from the entire delegation.

Running Scared will also be translated in a few languages, both Eldar and Nigar said including French and German.

Nigar lives in London and was asked by a British journalist if she will move back to Azerbaijan. She said "at first I will go back to Azerbaijan but I live in London so we'll see".

"We want to bring Europe together"

"We want to bring Europe together with our song", said Eldar when asked about how the song can maybe contribute to solving many problems in Europe.

Nigar said, "A few months ago I was a housewife but now I am the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest. It is my biggest dream".

"We never thought about the rankings. We just worked so hard for months and we were so happy with what we were doing", Eldar explained.

After waiting for a long time, an Indian journalist asked about hosting Europe's favourite TV show in Asia, where Azerbaijan is. They both answered "Music has no borders, we just want people to enjoy it".

Eldar and Nigar's team from make up artists to vocal coaches and delegation members were all thanked for their contribution.

Eldar also wanted to thank Düsseldorf and Germany for producing a great show, "our 14 days here were absolutely amazing. I love all of Germany and the German people".

Congratulations from Jon Ola Sand

EBU executive supervisor, Jon Ola Sand joined the press conference to offer his congratulations to Azerbaijan and to offer an invitation to start discussing next year's preparations.

"Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is a big challenge and I have here an invitation to the team to come to Geneva to start planning for next year's contest in Azerbaijan. If possible we hope to have an even better contest next year", he said to the Azeri delegation.

The Azeri Head of Delegation thanked the EBU and NDR for organising, "one of the best contests we've ever seen and hopefully we can organise a better one. Welcome to Azerbaijan!"

The Press Conference ended with a photo opportunity for the waiting press.

Azerbaijan won the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with 221 points, followed by Italy and Sweden who came second and third respectively.

See the video from the press conference here:


There are 449 comments

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  • Posted on 31/May 2011 at 20:29
    Congratulations my lovely country Azerbaijan. and thanks all europe, thanks for voting:*
    http://esmirakerem.wordpress.com/ report to the moderator
  • Posted on 27/May 2011 at 12:26
    DEAR Grettel from United States! tHANK U FOR UR comments and right words,i 100 % agree with u and i am 100% with u :D report to the moderator
  • Posted on 25/May 2011 at 10:38
    Sanubar,
    My Dear Friend ! İ agree with you...) report to the moderator
  • Posted on 21/May 2011 at 12:36
    DEAR FRIENDS DONT WORRY EVERYTHING WILL BE IN ITS HIGHEST LEVEL,HOTELS,SIGHTSEEING,PARTIES,,,,EVERYTHING EVERYTHING,THIS YEAR IT IS GONA BE SOMETHING DIFFEERENT,HERE WILL BE BOTH EUROPEAN AND EAST ELEMENT I GUESS,LETS WAIT A LITTLE,IT IS TOO LATE FOR SUACH DISCUSSIONS,JUST A L ITTLE PATIENCE:)) report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 22:50
    Grettel

    Do not worry for expenses. There are always solutions. At least, you can rent an apartment that might be cheaper than hotel.

    No worries! Closer to date we will try to arrange smth at least by very useful recommendations. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 21:57
    Azerbaijan is The Best ! Well done! We love you and this song! report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 20:16
    @Eurovision 2011-2012

    Thank you for info. Please people from Azerbaijan, give more information to potential visitors. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 17:47
    Guys seriously stop this stupid not useful discussions! report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 17:06
    Thanks Eurovision 2011-2012!
    It would be lovely getting aquainted with you as well and it would be even more amazing to go to Baku but with the expenses I think it would be difficult to attend. I tried adding you as a friend a couple of times but I could not, so please add me if you would like to. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 13:03
    Toronto_ca

    Well, once you have accommodation somewhere near Ganclik (it is an area of the biggest stadium) then you will have an access to the central part of the city (15-20 minutes walk) and to an expected place of event. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 11:59
    Guys stop stupid crazy chatting. Let's talk a little bit about 2012 issues. We all need advice of Azeries of this forum. I have found out a two-way flight costs around $1500 to Baku from Toronto. It is pretty expensive for my budget, that's why I will need to save in hotel costs. Can you please give me some advice in which part of the city to choose a hotel to have a reasonable pricing and close to the event.

    Shall I use cab or there is a direct public transportation from the airport to the city?

    I believe many people have many questions, so it is time to plan the trip.

    Thank you in advance. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 07:35
    You are great as always. I liked your targeted and straight comments.

    It would be nice to get acquainted with you, in Baku may be.

    I am sure you will like this growing city on the cost of the Caspian Sea, the Azerbaijani kitchen and culture. And the most important the honorable, friendly and courageous Azeris.

    Well, do not miss to taste the beautiful beaches once you travel for Azerbaijan-ESC 2012. In May it is right very cool to swim.

    All the best report to the moderator
  • Posted on 19/May 2011 at 05:18
    Eurovision is an amazing event that brings Europe and people all over the world together! All countries that participate should pride in it and respect the public vote. It is shameful that so many fans are complaining and fighting among yourselves. It is immature to be correcting each other’s grammar and bringing others nationalities down. Yes, democracy is great and everyone deserves to express themselves but tactfulness and tolerance goes a long way! As for me, I think it was Azerbaijan’s time to win. They have consistently done amazingly since they began going to the show. For one, I am looking forward to next year’s show and will love to learn more about Azerbaijan’s culture. As for hgpwas: put your money where your mouth is and rather than accusing this entry for plagiarism, PROVE IT, because words are hollow without evidence. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 18/May 2011 at 19:29
    Looks like my last comment on Azerbaijan "borrowing" much of their song from another group was removed. i think a lot of you know what I'm talking about. It seems much of their song comes from an American group. report to the moderator
  • Posted on 18/May 2011 at 19:16
    It seems Azerbaijan may have "borrowed" their song from another group. MY, MY, should they give the title back if that is the case. report to the moderator

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