Former Eurovision participant Aisel has said that she would not rule out a return to the contest in the future.
When recently asked via her Instagram story whether she would return to the Eurovision Song Contest, Aisel replied that she would be happy to, but only if she were to be the composer.
“I will represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision again, if I am the composer of my song”
Aisel, who is a well-known jazz/soul singer in Azerbaijan, was internally selected to represent her country at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. She was given the uptempo song X My Heart which was written and produced by members of the ‘Dream Team’; a group of songwriters and producers who have been responsible for many Eurovision entries in the past. In her semi-final, Aisel finished in 11th place meaning she did not advance to the Grand Final. This was the first time that Azerbaijan did not qualify.
Several years later, Aisel revealed in an interview with an Azerbaijani website that she had never felt an affinity with the song, as it was not the usual genre that she performed with. She had reportedly submitted several songs in her preferred style but they were not well received by the broadcaster.
In the same interview, she said that she had, however, managed to maintain good relationships with many people in the Azerbaijani selection committee, which could mean that a return to the Eurovision stage is a possibility for the future.
It is not uncommon for ex-participants to be asked if they will return to the competition. Recently artists such as Sarbel (Greece 2007), Lidia Kopania (Poland 2009), and Ivi Adamou (Cyprus 2012) have stated that they would happily return to the contest. Equally, artists including Donny Montell (Lithuania 2012 & 2016) have stated that they would not want to return.
Source: Aisel on Instagram (@aiselofficial) // Image Source: EBU / ANDRES PUTTING
Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest
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.
