The Eurovision Song Contest 2018 season has officially kicked off. Belgium was first cab off the rank in announcing Laura Groeseneken as their representative to hit the sunny shores of Lisbon next May. And the latest name to be thrown into the ring as a potential candidate is Azerbaijan’s Emil Kadirov.

Kadirov, who hails from Baku, has expressed an interest in representing the land of fire next year. He told Metubat that he is currently in the process of negotiating with the Azerbaijani delegation – which have, in recent years, opted for an internal selection.

“I want to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. At present, negotiations are under way with responsible persons in Azerbaijan. I hope negotiations will be successful and I will be able to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision 2018, which will be held in Portugal.”

Emil’s is certainly no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest. We joined Emil alongside an esteemed list of Eurovision stars at Zhara Fest in July, including Samra (Azerbaijan 2016), Sergey Lazarev (Russia 2016), Dima Bilan (Russia 2008), Nikki Jamal and Eldar Gasimov (Azerbaijan 2011), and LOBODA (Ukraine 2009). Light your fire, baby!

When we asked Emil about representing his homeland at the Eurovision Song Contest, he gave us a cryptic ‘maybe, hopefully’. But it was clear that Eurovision was definitely on Emil’s mind. He said that should he be given the opportunity to enter, he’d like to bring a song to showcase his voice.

And can we say – what a voice!

The baritone from Baku was catapulted into the spotlight after competing on ‘The Voice’  in Russia in 2015. Emil was coached by Russian rock singer Alexander Gradsky, who in 2012 coached Dina Garipova, Russia’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013.

Emil impressed the judges with his talented guitar work and fast fingers, serving up some Catalan flamenco realness with his take on the Gypsy Kings, making it to the quarter finals of the competition.

Do you want to see some of Emil Kadirov’s flamenco flair in Lisbon? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow all of our Azerbaijan Eurovision news

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Kristofer
Kristofer
6 years ago

Let me guess another Swedish song. Are they all that talentless to keep getting foreigners to write their songs?

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

Speaking of Russia, I can’t believe that on Christmas day will be one year without Red Army Choir. What happened since then with this choir?
And those from Charlie Hebdo made fun of their death.

Miguel
Miguel
6 years ago

Some people here are talking like he is the beast from “Beauty and the Beast”….. Who cares what he looks like? He is just a regular guy, like me and like most people here. He is not aplying for Mister Universe… He should sing in a language that he can speak though. I couldn’t understand most of the words coming out of his mouth. He is also very dramatic and expressive, maybe even too much in my opinion. I don’t know what to think about him. I can only say i always have high expectation on Azerbaijan and i hope… Read more »

E.R
E.R
6 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

I one hundred percent agree with you, Looks don’t defy how well you will do in the competition, because the guy who represented Israel wasn’t bad looking, but he came 23rd place this year, with an average song, I really hope Azerbaijan don’t send a flamenco kind of song, and send something in Azeri, with something like in 2012 but with good instruments and something interesting for us to watch, ballads don’t always appeal to everyone, so they can do a rock song, or a ethnic song or whatever, but if its in Azeri that will get my vote for… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

For me he is good looking, I don’t like Ken-Dolls. And the Flamenco was just for The Voice, nothing to do with what he would sing in Eurovision.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

wow people here really want to talk about his look, like that is a definition for talent. Imri could’ve been the most attractive guy at Eurovision this year, but the time he spent at the gym he should’ve taken it for singing lessons.
Btw, looks can be deceiving.

Richardinho
Richardinho
6 years ago

Mixed feelings about Azerbaijan given the recent arrest and reported torture of lgbt folk there. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-14/un-condemns-antigay-arrests-in-indonesia-egypt-and-azerbaijan/9049592

LiGhts
LiGhts
6 years ago
Reply to  Richardinho

Honestly? In my country? Where the government doesn’t give a damn about religion? LGBT is not welcomed by religious people here, because it is against the rules of Islam. (And the number of religious people you can find here is pretty less than any other muslim majority countries). Our government has nothing to do with religion and has nothing to do with gay/ lesbian communities. Wrong report, honey 🙂 plus, our prezident has dicided to set free some prisoners, he wouldn’t need to arrest lgbt community )

Rodriges
Rodriges
6 years ago

Somebody wrote a comment that would be better to sing azeri traditional song or something like that but i was trying to find an azeri history and i could see its quite new country and i don’t think they have something traditional and old since Azerbaijan is just a 98 years old )
And what about spanish better do not present anybody from Azerbaijan if they have to sing something Spanish because the one he was singing it wasn’t Spanish it was just a letters next to each other! ))

Hazar
Hazar
6 years ago
Reply to  Rodriges

Go and learn history. Azerbaijan is an old country and has traditional music. If you blame Azerbaijan then find real arguments not stuff.

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
6 years ago
Reply to  Hazar

Yes, old, although Durex condom factory and Coca Cola is way odler.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Seriously guys, such negativity… A) Sure, flamenco could be a hit or miss, but let’s hear the song first, shall we. It amazes me how much drama over conjecture. Maybe it will be a different genre anyway. Valentina Monetta didn’t go with Jazz. B) Personally, I find this guy quite handsome. The word shouldn’t be reserved only for typical gym-toned guys. What about all that “celebrate diversity” stuff? Only a parole? Even if you don’t find him good looking at all (which is everyone’s personal right), as said, this isn’t a beauty contest. Many contestants with non-standard beauty have done… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Agree with you, Emil is not ugly, but anyhow, is Salvador Sobral a sex-symbol?
Double standard much? Many are happy that Eurovision Song Contest is now in an warm climate in the south, but be fair. You will have your fun in the sun in May 2018, but let the others be.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

This better be a joke. Azerbaijan sending flamenco? As a Spanish I must say I didn’t understand most of the words he was singing. Azerbaijan should do what they are best in, flamenco music isn’t. Sorry. If Emil is going for something like this, he should learn Spanish.

I’m neither a big fan of flamenco and rumba music, so maybe I’m biased.

I don’t really think Azerbaijan is going to choose Emil tbh, but who knows…

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Nah. I’d rather Azerbaijan send Suada Alakbarova. She’ll be turning 17 this coming February.

E
E
6 years ago

I one hundred percent think he needs to sing in Azeri, Azerbaijan need to start taking more chances, and start sticking to their routes, as they haven’t had a top 10 placing since 2013, so Azeri might be it for them, Azeri is such a beautiful language, and if Azerbaijan had a good ethnic song, doesn’t have to be a ballad, but something which shows their culture, they will be back in the top 10 next year.

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
6 years ago
Reply to  E

Since when are turkic languages became beautiful? You should be joking, right? Anyway, it is up to you. Everyone has their own preferences. I personally find it hideous.

E.....
E.....
6 years ago

I understand your opinion, but I really do relate to Turkic languages and really love them, being that my background is half Turkic I guess I can relate so much to the language because it’s so unique. I respect your opinion but I hope Azerbaijan goes down that path next year, because we need diversity, no more English because it’s getting boring know

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
6 years ago
Reply to  E.....

I’m sorry in cas I hurt your feelings.. I find it a nice idea for Azerbaijan to sing in their language, however I’m not that enthusiastic like someone here who thinks that if they do so it will help them to end in top 3. So childish.

E......
E......
6 years ago

no its absolutely fine I understand your opinion, not every language sounds nice to people, however I do think we need diversity, and if everyone sings in English then should it really be called Eurovision, or Englishvision, we need a little change, however I agree that even if a song is in another language, if it doesn’t catch our attention, and you want to sleep, then it wont do well

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Flamenco? I’m not feeling this at all. I need myself another Sabible Babajesus-sized slayage. I’m still shaking from how good When the Music Dies was.

Paul D.
Paul D.
6 years ago

Last time I checked this wasn’t a beauty contest hummm

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

Please, Yes!!! Love him!

LiGhts
LiGhts
6 years ago

Oh, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for Elvina… and something in our beautiful language…
To be honest, I think the vocal abilities are not always the most important thing, if you put something good to the table…, he might have strong voice, but I wouldn’t like to see a ballad or an opera stylish songs..

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Hmm, not sure about that. He has to come with something very unique and original like Dihaj, since he is not an eye candy, as NickC wrote,
Tbh I do think that Azerbaijan should sing in Azeri this year. Or English and Azeri combined, with Azeri music influences.

Hopefully Diana will return soon. Loved everything about her. Already miss her 🙁

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

Seriously??? We have so many talented singers and there is a chance that we might send THIS guy?? Nobody even knows about him. Hopefully ITV won’t make a mistake.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

That could go both ways. If he can serve something unique and original, it would stand out. But if he goes too experimental, like mixing flamenco with original azeri instruments, it would be a complete mess. Also, he is not an eye candy like Farid Memmedov, so he would need an outstanding song to grab some televotes.

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

I’m from Azerbaijan and I don’t even know who the heck is he.. o.O