Azerbaijan’s Ä°ctimai Television has revealed that it’s had 154 songs submitted in it’s hunt for Fahree and Ilkin’s successors for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
More local songs submitted
The total number of entries submitted to Ä°TV is down from the 214 submissions that had been received last year ahead of the contest in Sweden. Though the percentage of local submissions from Azerbaijani musicians has increased from 43% last year, to 49% this year. Ä°TV will accept submissions from any nationality, though has previously stated that they do wish to give priority to Azerbaijani composers for their entries.
While the exact list of those who have sent in entries remains a secret, there have been some who have revealed that they have submitted songs. Most notably last year’s Azerbaijani entrant Fahree announced he submitted two songs as a songwriter this time. At present it is unknown how Ä°TV will select its act for Basel, or any timeframe in doing so.
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision Journey
Azerbaijan is a powerhouse in Eurovision, first debuting in 2008 with the song “Day After Day” by Elnur & Samir, finishing 8th. The country has since gone on to achieve five top-5 performances, including one win in 2011. Azerbaijan has an impressive qualification record, only failing to make the final in 2018, 2023, and 2024.
Azerbaijan internally selected Fahree and Ilkin Dolatov to represent them in 2024 with the song “ÖzünlÉ™ apar”; they scored eleven points in the first semi-final, placing fourteenth and missing out on the Grand Final for a second year in a row.
What do you think of the latest developments in Azerbaijan? Are there any acts you hope have submitted a song? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news.
News Source: Ä°ctimai Television
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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