🇦🇿 Eurovision 2026 Rehearsal One: Azerbaijan brings cinematic heartbreak to the Eurovision stage with JIVA

Today, the rehearsals for Eurovision 2026 continue in Vienna. Countries rehearsing on Day 3 include Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Romania, Luxembourg, Czechia, Armenia and Switzerland. The second to rehearse today is Azerbaijan’s JIVA.

What did we learn about Jiva’s staging?

JIVA’s performance of “Just Go” begins with a classic Eurovision entrance, stepping out of smoke into a setting that immediately establishes mood. From the start, the focus is on atmosphere rather than movement, building a visual world that feels intimate and emotional.

Wearing a shimmering gown that reflects light in darker tones, she becomes the centre of the frame, with the visuals supporting rather than competing with her presence. Behind her, monochrome imagery plays out fragments of a relationship in decline, adding context to the lyrics without overwhelming them.

Who is 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.

What do you think of “Just Go”? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, Threadsand Blueskyas we gear up for Eurovision 2026!

News Source: EBU

Photo Credit: İTV