Since the mid-1960s , Western-influenced Azerbaijani pop music , in its various forms , that has been growing in popularity in Azerbaijan , while genres such as rock and hip hop are widely produced and enjoyed . Azerbaijani pop and Azerbaijani folk music arose with the international popularity of performers like Alim Qasimov , Rashid Behbudov , Vagif Mustafazadeh , Muslim Magomayev , Shovkat Alakbarova and Rubaba Muradova . Azerbaijan is an enthusiastic participant in the Eurovision Song Contest . Azerbaijan made its debut appearance at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest . The country 's entry gained third place in 2009 and fifth the following year . Ell and Nikki won the first place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with the song " Running Scared " , entitling Azerbaijan to host the contest in 2012 , in Baku . They have qualified for every Grand Final up until the 2018 edition of the contest , entering with X My Heart by singer Aisel There are dozens of Azerbaijani folk dances . They are performed at formal celebrations and the dancers wear national clothes like the Chokha , which is well-preserved within the national dances . Most dances have a very fast rhythm . The national dance shows the characteristics of the Azerbaijani nation
2018 edition of the contest
Eurovision Song Contest 2018
Azerbaijan