Azerbaijan broadcaster Ictimai TV are largely keeping quiet about their internal selection process for Eurovision 2019. But now one name has emerged as the likely pick for Azerbaijan in Tel Aviv. The Azeri singer Chingiz Mustafayev is said to have been selected to represent Azerbijan at Eurovision 2019.
His name emerged in a since-deleted Facebook post from INFE Azerbaijan. However, wiwibloggs sources have confirmed that Chingiz was among the final four acts being assessed by Ictimai TV.
Who is Chingiz Mustafayev?
Chingiz is an Azeri singer-songwriter and guitarist. He got his start in 2007 at the age of 16 when he won the seventh edition of the popular talent show Yeni Ulduz (New Star).
In 2013, Chingiz represented Azerbaijan in the prestigious New Wave competition for upcoming singers. He placed 11th overall, and duetted with future Russian Eurovision star Polina Gagarina.
Chingiz returned to the world of television talent shows in 2016 when he auditioned for Holos Krainy (The Voice Ukraine). He gave a spirited performance of the Gipsy Kings’ “Bamboléo” in his blind audition and two judges turned. However, Chingiz was eliminated in the subsequent Battle Round.
Since then, Chingiz has performed with his group Palmas. They meld traditional Azerbaijan and Turkish folk sounds with flamenco guitar and rock and pop twists.
Most recently, Chingiz has focused on his solo pop career. Last month he released his new single, “Tenha gezen”. It combines his signature acoustic guitar sound with a fresh electronic style. If Chingiz has been selected for Eurovision, could this be the style of his entry?
It’s important to note that at this stage, broadcaster Icitimai has NOT confirmed that Chingiz will be the act for Tel Aviv.
New Head of Delegation Husniye Maharramova recently posted to Instagram, stating that the “Azerbaijan representative has not been selected yet.” But she promises that “you will know everything soon. Do not be anxious and be patient.”
Selecting the song
In January, broadcaster Ictimai opened song submissions to find its entry for Eurovision 2019.
The process is roughly the same as what Azerbaijan has used since it switched to internal selection in 2015. While the entry is internally selected by the broadcaster, the song is selected using an open submission process.
Azerbaijan will again accept songs from both Azeri and foreign composers. While in recently years Azerbaijan’s songs have usually come from Swedish songwriters, Dihaj’s 2016 entry “Skeletons” was co-written by Azeri songwriter Isa Melikov.
Song submissions for Azerbaijan are still open and will close this Thursday, February 7.
What do you think? Should Azerbaijan select Chingiz Mustafayev for Eurovision? What sort of song should he take to Tel Aviv? Tell us your thoughts below!
Wowww What an amazing news! This one made me happy that he is in among the finalists. He is always been standout talent in Azerbaijan showbiz since the talent show. His guitar skills are breathtaking. If they select Samira instead if him I would be really mad. Only and only Chingizzz. I have always been rooted for for him. I don’t care if he wins the contest or not. I just want to see him on Eurovision stage.
I hope Azerbaijan will choose him with contemporary Azerbaijani music with ethnic vibes . Whoever choose the song and singer must be careful. “Focus Group” … THEY ALL RUIN BRILLIANTS WITH CRAP SWEDISH SONGS. LET EUROPE HEAR AZERBAIJANI .
OMG…! #HOTasHELL
I know whom to vote for! :p
Vote for the song please.
Let me decide whom to vote and mind ur business pls 😉
First of all, let me say if he’s selected, he should immediately be a front runner for Eurovision’s Next Top Model…he’s gorgeous.
Okay, I just took a look at his YouTube channel, and it looks like he records all his songs in Azeri, and they sound very contemporary. How is it that Azerbaijan has gone this long without sending a song in its own language?! I’m kinda hoping they send him now, and we could get a taste of Azeri language pop music. And he’d be the first male soloist to represent Azerbaijan since 2015.
Can someone please pick my tongue off the floor?
He is damn hot!?
Please Azerbaijan,time to pick a guy!
On board with him as an artist, echoing the thoughts of many, I hope they send something in Azeri, or something authentic to Azerbaijani music, or even just something distinctive in style that isn’t dance or pop, they need to diversify desperately, try something new.
Maybe he’ll be given an Israeli-inspired music this time similar to Netta’s and Nadav Guedj’s.
There’s no Israeli inspired music. What they were doing was Oriental/Arabic mashups…
whoever they send, please don’t give them a swedish reject. use azerbaijani composers for once.
AGREE
I second that!
OK. I really need this guy in Eurovision. Come on Azerbaijan. xD
HE SOUDS VERY GOOD
Hilarious 😛
He looks good and sounds nice so I have no objections.
wadafik?
Lol yes. I should change my profile picture huh?
Wouldn’t kick him out of bed! 😛 But at the end of the day it is a song contest.
He looks hot as hell, now give a guy good song please
Also, I like Chingiz’s sound. If he’s not selected, I’m eager to find out what they found better.
Wasn’t Dihaj’s entry in 2017, not 2016?
Yes! Azerbaijan’s 2016 entry was “Miracle” by Samra.
I have a feeling he will be very popular.
Looks very much like my latest conquest. Maybe he even has a furry chest. #hototter
Ooh la la
As for Azerbaijan, I don’t really care about the artist, I want to know what song they have picked for them. Aisel was a competent jazz singer–and they chose a dance-pop track, and it flopped.
I concur. La musique avant tout.
He is fond of ill fitting chest hair as well.
Well, I think I know who’s getting my votes in May. He looks fine. 😀
Why not? Either him or Samira Efendi pls! I just want to listen to a song in Azeri.!
He’s so hot. :p
I would love it if Azerbaijan brought a more ethnic, traditional sound like they did back in 2012, that was their peak in the contest, would love it if that sound returned.
Azerbaijan needs to take a new direction in the contest, so maybe he’s the first step. Get away from that cheesy pop, and try something more alternative.
it would be good for azerbaijan to select a male.
Clearly it would be good for wiwibloggs readers too 😉