BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 14. The Eurovision Song
Contest, considered one of the world’s most prestigious music
competitions, draws millions of viewers each year, showcasing
elaborate stage performances, diverse musical styles and
large-scale productions from participating countries, Trend reports.


Azerbaijan will be represented this year by singer Jamila
Hashimova, who performs under the stage name Jiva.


Jiva is set to take the stage in Vienna on May 14 as the second
performer in the second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song
Contest. She will perform the song “Just Go,” written and composed
by Azerbaijani-American composer Fuad Javadov.


According to organizers, Azerbaijan’s national selection process
for Eurovision 2026 received 100 applications featuring 186 songs.
Of those, 107 were submitted by local songwriters and performers,
while 79 came from international participants.


Following an initial review by a professional jury, 18
candidates advanced to the next stage, where they underwent live
auditions and individual interviews. Vocal ability, stage presence
and international appeal were among the key evaluation
criteria.


A final shortlist of three contestants was selected, and Jiva
was ultimately chosen to represent Azerbaijan based on the
recommendation of a special focus group.


Jiva began her musical career in 2003 after winning second place
in the “Baku Autumn” competition. In 2007, she participated in the
“Show Time” project, and in 2011, she finished among the top three
contestants in Azerbaijan’s national Eurovision selection.







In the years that followed, Jiva performed in several music
projects, including appearances with the renowned “RAST” ensemble
founded by People’s Artist Rashad Hashimov. She also participated
in the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festivaland later performed as a
soloist with the group “Hazz Band.”


Since 2017, she has pursued a solo career, performing pop, dance
and R&B songs in Azerbaijani, Russian and English.


Azerbaijan has previously achieved strong results at Eurovision.
The country’s biggest success came in 2011, when Eldar Gasimov and
Nigar Jamal won the contest in Düsseldorf with the song Running
Scared, marking Azerbaijan’s first Eurovision victory.


Following that win, Azerbaijan hosted the competition in Baku in
2012. At Baku Crystal Hall, Sabina Babayevarepresented the country
with the song “When the Music Dies,” finishing in fourth place.


The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is being held in Vienna,
Austria. The first semi-final has already concluded, while the
second semi-final takes place on May 14 and the grand final is
scheduled for May 16.


A total of 35 countries are participating in this year’s
competition, including returning entrants Bulgaria, Romania and
Moldova.