Is it fatal to sing first?

[Kicker]

Nah, I'm sure that Azerbiajan wouldn't have won: Lena would have won anyway, no matter when she had to sing... Also I think Safura's performence at the final wasn't very well and that is also a big point in Eurovision - I remember me saying "Oh, she really doesn't sings well today..." back then... I think it wouldn't have made a difference if she would have sung later...
(But I still don't get why songs like "Always" just ended up 3rd and something like "Running Scared" won :?)

 

[alca]

I do believe that starting order is important. Of course that is not enough. If you have a great song then you're gonna win no matter what (eg Turkey 2003 singing at #4). But if you have a mediocre song then the position will give you a little boost. Totally not enough to win but it can help you finish a few places up.