They’re one of the last countries to reveal their selection plans for Eurovision 2022. Now Azerbaijan‘s public broadcaster ITV has opened the submission period to find their song for Turin.
The broadcaster is inviting interested creatives to send in a demo version of their potential Eurovision song along with a brief artist bio. Submissions can be send to [email protected].
But interested acts had better get moving. The entry period is only one month long, closing on 31 January 2022.
While ITV has not confirmed that they will internally select the entry for Turin, this is the most likely scenario. Since 2015, Azerbaijan has internally selected its Eurovision entry using an open-submission process.
Azerbaijan at Eurovision
Azerbaijan debuted at Eurovision in 2008. In the early years, the Azeri entry or artist was selected using a number of different national final formats, including Land of Fire, Milli Seçim Turu and Böyük Səhnə. This system was successful for Azerbaijan, with a six-year run of top ten finishes.
This included 2011, where Nigar Jamal and Eldar Gasimov both won the nation final as solo artists. They were then paired up and “Running Scared” was internally selected for the new duo. It was a risk that paid off — the duo went on to win Eurovision 2011.
Since 2015, Azerbaijan has always internally selected both the artist and song. This era has given Azerbaijan mixed results. In 2018, Aisel was the only Azeri act to not qualify for the grand final, however the following year Chingiz made the top ten with his song “Truth”.
For Eurovision 2021, Efendi was internally selected. She performed the dance-pop song “Mata Hari”, which captured the same energy as her 2020 entry “Cleopatra”.
What do you think? Who would you like to see represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2022? What sort of song should Azerbaijan select? Tell us your thoughts below!
I guess we’re waiting for another pro-LGBTQI song from one of the most discriminative country in Europe/Asia again?
I’m not expecting anything original and I won’t be voting for Azerbaijan next year at all – no matter of what, mostly because of the lack of respect for Eurovision rules.
I mean, they’re way too corrupt and get away with the crime, at least they should seize the bug and send something Azeris actually listen to or something that represents their culture
I expect them to pick a very interesting artist with a great musical background with lots of personality and impose on them a melfest reject with some “arabic” flavour.
But hey, maybe I’m wrong! I would love to see them singing in their native language or with something more local.
Or with something Azeris actually listen to too
I’m sure Swedish producers will get to work.
I must say that I really liked mata Hari and I still listen to it sometimes.
But still they need to keep things a bit more local or at least send something unique!
Azerbaijan always sneaks into my Top 10 year after year so I’m excited to see what they’ve come up with. Wished they would tweak their selection process a little bit though.
I’m not expecting much anything other than bought out plastic pop as usual by a singer who doesn’t even speak english.
Not following the EBU rules, trying to put politics in the contest and they’ve barely gotten any sanctions? EBU needs to act now, before this gets out of control.
“Excited” to see if they select a Symphonix track or a Melfest reject this year…one thing is for sure—they are not as reliable for a Top 10 finish
ITV is so cynical, and EBU backs them up. At least they should choose something more original or local to represent them…
Boring selection, same old stuff. No national final to promote local talent.
2020 & 2021 they used Dutch/Danish teams, back to Swedish teams next year? So sad..
So nothing will happen after the jesc incident? I guess the Azeri cash is too much $$
Wasn’t the EBU going to do something about them talking over Malena’s entire performance? I’m not surprised that turned into nothing.
They’ve been let off with worse, so it’s probably best not to hold our breath.
True, but so long as they continue to bribe the EBU not to do anything, their disrespect of Malena should be brought up.
The EBU say they have been made aware of the incident and gave this statement to the press:
“The EBU has been made aware of this matter and are currently seeking clarification from its Azerbaijani member Ictimai TV. The rules of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest insist on the fair, respectful and equal treatment of all taking part and we are committed to ensuring that they are followed by all those who participate in the event.”
It’s one thing to be aware of the matter, but will they actually do anything about it? I wouldn’t put it past ÌTV to lie and say that they didn’t talk over Armenia’s entry and the EBU would accept it without question.
after what their commentars did to Malena they should be disqualified