Elnur Huseynov, part of Azerbaijan’s debut Eurovision act in 2008, apperared on The Voice Of Turkey earlier this week. The “Angel” singer hopes to make it big in Turkey, a massive market and one with which Azerbaijan shares a deep cultural affinity. He impressed both the audience and the jury, which includes several Eurovision veterans.
First, he sang “Latch” by Disclosure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h8IGcZ0Vhs
All the jurors turned their chairs, but Eurovision 2009 singer Hadise wanted to hear more. Elnur continued with “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. Jury member Gökhan Ozoguz, who led the band Athena at Eurovision 2004, was thrilled. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. This is incredible. Can you sing a Turkish song?” And then it went all Eurovision. Elnur sang “ASK” by Turkish Eurovision winner Sertab Erener, admitting, “I don’t really know the lyrics but I’ll try.” And he tried really well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdcPNG55cxI
Eeach of the performances made the YouTube list of ‘The Most Watched Videos Of Today” in Turkey. For his final performance he sang a duet with Gökhan Ozoguz, called “Ellerimde Çiçekler”. After this mini-concert all the members of the jury wanted Elnur on their team. Mahzar & Ozkan, members of MFO, which represented Turkey twice in 1985 and 1989, promised Elnur an album. But he looked past the offer and chose Ebru Gundes as his coach.
Elnur represented Azerbaijan in 2008 with Samir with the song “Day After Day” and finished 8th.
One more mesmerizing performance by Elnur “Habanera” from “Carmen”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHL1KDjDgdY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCW3-fQtfNA
So, apparently, all these “Voice” competitions (Idols, XFactors, etc., included) are becoming a thing for past Eurovision entrants. Apparently, even if you have been on the ESC stage or have a name (whatever that may be), these shows are sadly your PR thingy.
I forgot how unique “Ask” is…had to youtube it again for Sertab’s rendition.
he represented Azerbaijan in 2008, not 2009.