(CNN) -- While several European countries have long had their own versions of "American Idol," the longest running televised pop music competition where fans choose their favorite songs and singers is Europe's Eurovision Song Contest, now in its 56th year. Saturday evening, Azerbaijan won the 2011 running of the annual competition, with a sweet pop song that Europe slowly fell in love with during the course of the contest, titled "Running Scared," by Eldar and Nikki (also known as Ell/Nikki). The song, somewhat of a surprise winner to many, beat out early favorites from France and England to win over Italy and Sweden. Sweden's Eric Saade was winning the contest in the early going, until it became apparent that Eldar and Nikki would run away with a trophy. Ironically, Swedes Stefan Örn and Sandra Bjurman wrote Azerbaijan's song, making Saturday night a win for Sweden all around -- Saade came in third at the competition. Italy's Raphael Gualazzi was second.
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Eldar and Nikki of Azerbaijan win with sweet pop song "Running Scared"
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Italy is second, Sweden third in contest viewed by fans across Europe
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Viewer votes and music industry jury combine to determine winner
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Last year's winner, Germany's Lena, came in 10th
Ratings for Saturday's grand finale fared well around Europe, but within Germany, semifinal viewership was down this year, with some @placeholder newspapers citing "Lena fatigue" as one reason fewer Germans seemed excited in 2011 for the annual pop music contest.