Very glad Azerbaijan won, because I picked them and Ireland (crazy shit they were, but absolutely hilarious). If you look at them from the moment they entered in 2008, it was inevitable they'd win within 5 years. Not many countries who debut have been able to carry themselves strongly for 4 years straight and finish top 8 position or under.
I remember when they came into the Contest in 2008. They had the guys dressed as an Angel and the other as Lucifer. I think the song was "Day After Day." It came 8th. Then in 2009 they got 3rd with Aysel and Arash's "Always." Despite coming 5th last year with Safura's "Drip Drop" they were disappointing. They had too many expectations to win after coming 3rd in 2009. At the end of the day IMO it came down to the fact she was hopeless live.
Personally I don't think their song is that great this year, compared to the song that got them 3rd in 2009. But then again, that was the strongest Eurovision in years, and I doubt any other winner in the past 10 years would have beaten the Norwegian guy with the fiddle.
I reckon the Azeri's will pour millions into the Contest next year, and try and outdo the Russians in 2009. Its easy to say that the Russians hosted one of the best Eurovisions on record. But then again, unlike everyone one else, they poured everything millions into it. Just seems the mentality I get from a friend I have from Azerbaijan is they want to do it "bigger and better" than Russia.
Will be interesting to see Armenia's position and what they will do in 2012. I can see them pulling out now.