As we reach the end of the national final season, Azerbaijan has finally revealed its entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The country will be represented by JIVA.
Rumour mill running wild in Azerbaijan
In the run-up to public broadcaster Δ°TV revealing their act for Eurovision 2026, several acts had been rumoured to be in the running. This included former representative AISEL, as well as a number of well-known Azerbaijani artists. A short time later, it was believed that Δ°TV would reveal their act “soon”, although no plan was set out on an exact date.
All about JIVA
Jamila Hashimova known by the stage name JIVA, is an Azerbaijani singer who started her career in 2003. She has taken part in various music projects, including being the lead vocalist of “Hazz Band”. Since 2017 she has continued her career as a solo artist, singing in Azerbaijani, English and Russian. In 2025, she won The Voice of Azerbaijan, marking an all-time high for her career. Nonetheless, this year is not her first encounter with Eurovision; indeed, in 2011 she reached the top 3 of Azerbaijan’s Eurovision national final.
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 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.
Are you happy with Azerbaijan’s selection? Do you think Azerbaijan can get back into the final this year? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow βThat Eurovision Siteβ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Δ°TV
Photo Credit: EBU
Euan T