Husniye Maharramova the Azerbaijani Head of Delegation has denied that a decision has been taken on the artist who will represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2019.
The Head of Delegation for Azerbaijan has taken to Instagram to deny that a decision has been taken on the artist who will represent the nation at Eurovision 2019. She posted on Instagram saying;
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2019 representative has not been selected yet. iTV is still selecting the participant for the contest. Very soon, you will know everything.
The statement from Ms Maharramova comes hours after INFE Azerbaijan reported that Chingiz Mustafayev had been selected to represent Azerbaijan in Israel. Chingiz was among four artists who were reportedly shortlisted by iTV to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. The four singers who have reportedly been shortlisted are;
- Samira Efendi
- Chingiz Mustafayev
- Tofig Hajiyev
- Leman
While iTV has not confirmed which singers are being approached to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision, the broadcaster is looking for the song that their participant will perform. The rules of the selection are:
- Songs cannot have been released before September 1, 2018
- Lyrics and composition must be original
- Songs must be submitted with information about the songwriters
Those wishing to submit songs have until February 7, and must email their submission to:
eurovisionaz2019@gmail.com
Source: Hisniye Maharramova
Azerbaijan debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, they were represented by Elnur & Samir with the song “Day After Day”, they finished 8th in the final. In 2011 Azerbaijan won the Eurovision Song Contest represented by Ell & Nikki and their song “Running Scared”. The song scored a total of 221 points, receiving only three sets of 12 points from Malta, Russia and Turkey. In 2018 Azerbaijan failed to qualify for the final for the first time, having previously had a 100% qualification record.