In the spotlights: Sam Ryder

Road to Vienna: Azerbaijan We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Azerbaijan. JIVA: Azerbaijani versatility Pop Star JIVA, born Jamila Hashimova on 9 September 1982 in Moscow, is an Azerbaijani singer and songwriter. Known for her versatility, she performs in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English, blending pop, dance, and R&B into her sound. Early Career and Breakthrough JIVA began her musical journey in the early 2000s. Her first major recognition came in 2003 when she finished second at the Baku Autumn song contest. In 2007, she expanded her audience by competing in the TV music show Show Time, establishing herself in Azerbaijan’s music scene. Musical Growth and Collaborations Over the years, JIVA refined her artistry through collaborations and live performances. She worked with the RAST ensemble and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, gaining international exposure. As the lead singer of the Hazz Band, she combined jazz influences with modern pop. She also appeared at major events like the Zhara Festival in 2018 and collaborated with artists such as Emin, Zülfiyyə Xanbabayeva, and Manana Japaridze. Solo Career Success In 2017, JIVA focused on her solo career, releasing multilingual tracks across pop, dance, and R&B genres. Her big breakthrough came in 2025 when she won Səs Azərbaycan (The Voice of Azerbaijan), significantly boosting her popularity and opening new doors. Eurovision 2026 Journey After an earlier attempt in 2011, JIVA was selected to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Chosen through a competitive internal process, she is set to bring her dynamic style to an international audience. Just Go: Emotional Storytelling That Connects The latest single delivers a powerful story of lost love, betrayal, and personal growth. It captures the journey from deep devotion to the painful realization of deception, ultimately highlighting the strength it takes to move on. Themes of Betrayal and Self-Discovery At its core, the song explores universal themes like heartbreak, self-discovery, and emotional healing. Its relatable lyrics reflect the process of facing the truth, letting go, and reclaiming personal power—making it a standout breakup anthem. Bilingual Twist with Azerbaijani Lyrics A unique feature of the track is its bilingual element, including a segment in Azerbaijani. This adds cultural depth and enhances the emotional impact, while broadening its appeal to a global audience. Dynamic Sound and Powerful Composition Musically, the song blends emotional melodies with dynamic production. The contrast between intimate verses and powerful choruses mirrors the highs and lows of a failing relationship, reinforcing its message of resilience and empowerment. Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest Since debuting in 2008, Azerbaijan has been a strong contender in the Eurovision Song Contest. Azerbaijan ended up in the top5 on many occasions. The country secured its first victory in 2011 with Ell and Nikki‘s “Running Scared.” Over the years, Azerbaijan has achieved several top-ten finishes, reflecting its commitment to the competition and its emphasis on high-quality performances and productions. The last few years, however, Azerbaijan didn’t manage to reach the final. The Bookmakers Once again, a spot in the final seems far out of reach—sitting at 35th with the bookmakers, turning things around now feels almost impossible.