Azerbaijan: Eurovision 2015's most unusual performance?

By Siobhan Palmer

Elnur Huseynov returns to the competition for Azerbaijan, but his lupine dancers are the ones to watch, says Siobhan Palmer

Who is he?

Elnur Huseynov, Azerbaijan’s first and eighth entry FOR the Eurovision Song Contest. He came in eighth place in 2008 as half of the duo Elnur and Samir, with the song Day After Day. He also won the Turkish version of The Voice earlier this year.

What is he singing?

Hour of the Wolf, which he describes as a "mystical contemporary ballad". The performance includes contemporary dancing against a moody backdrop of tall, dark trees while Huseynov's wears a cloak (hence "mystical", presumably).

What makes him different?

His lupine backing dancers are definitely the focal point. What's especially impressive, though, is how Huseynov performs without paying the slightest attention to them slinking around him on all fours. Until, that is, he breaks up a choreographed scuffle between them and nails a key change simultaneously. All of which should earn him some points on the night.

What are the odds on him winning?

33/1 – not the worst. Since Azerbaijan joined the contest in 2008, they have been a reasonably regular fixture in the top three, so don’t be surprised if they perform well, although winning seems unlikely.

When can I watch him?

On Saturday night, 23 May, during the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, which will be broadcast from 8pm on BBC One.

 

(Telegraph)