Azerbaijan’s search for its entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 reaches a crucial stage, as the country’s delegation is set to decide both the artist and the song for Vienna.
Three Candidates in the Race
Head of Delegation Nurlana Jafarova confirmed that three acts and songs remain under consideration, following auditions and evaluation rounds conducted by the broadcaster İTV. The final choice will determine who represents Azerbaijan at the contest’s 70th edition. 186 songs were submitted this year at ITV.
She told:
“The reason for the delay was to receive the opinions of the Focus Group. It took time to collect this. The group includes representatives from abroad, composers, producers, stage designers, producers, lyricists. Everyone’s opinion must be the same. At the same time, it was difficult to make a decision because all 3 songs and performers were strong.”
Local media speculation suggests that all remaining candidates are female performers. If confirmed, this would mark the first time in five years that Azerbaijan is represented by a solo female artist at Eurovision.
The selected artist and song are expected to be unveiled to the press next week.
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 achieved 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 Mamagama to represent them in 2025 with the song “Run With U”; they scored seven points in the first semifinal, placing fifteenth and missing out on the Grand Final for a third year in a row.
Who will represent Azerbaijan this year? 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, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: axsam.az
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU