Azerbaijan

Efendi

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameSamirə Əfəndiyeva Born17 april 1991 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionBöyuk Sehne 2014Internal Selection 2020, 2021 In Eurovision2021 Rotterdam2020 Rotterdam (Cancelled) SongMata Hari (2021)Cleopatra (2020) Biography Samira Efendi is an Azerbaijani singer, born in Baku. Since 1994, she had been a soloist of the Children’s Philharmonic under the direction of Ogtay Zulfugarov. In 2001 he entered the children’s music school in Baku, and in 2006 she graduated. In 2006, she entered the Asaph Zeynalli College of Music within the National Conservatory. Three years later, she took part in the talent show Yeni Ulduz. In 2014, she was a finalist in talent show Böyuk Sehne. As a soloist she participated in the BakuProject. She also participated in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2015, she participated n a concert program dedicated to the European Games in Azerbaijan. She reached the final of The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2016. In the same year she participated in the Belarusian Youth Festival in Shamkir. She successfully represented Azerbaijan at the International Jazz Festival in Alanya, Turkey and gave a solo concert at the Yarat Contemporary Art Center. She performed at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Azerbaijan Volleyball Championship. In 2016, she sang a song called “Sürət”, compiled by Tunzale Agaeva for Formula 1. In 2017, she changed her performance name into Samira Efendi. In Baku she sang “Hello Baki” for the Islamic Solidarity Games. In 2017, a a song and video “Ya Tantsuyu / Dance” was released in Ukraine. She travelded to Bucharest, Romania, for another project. It became the song “Tocame”, a duet with Seeya. In the same year, she represented Azerbaijan in the SilkWayStar contest in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In 2018, she gave a concert in Moscow.In 2020, Samira Efendi was chosen to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, due to the cancellation of the contest. Azerbaijani tv announced her as the 2021 Eurovision representative. She sang the song “Mata Hari” in the contest. The song caught attention of the mayor of Leeuwarden and the commisioner of the King in Friesland, where Mata Hari originates from. They gave a voting advice in favour of Azerbaijan. Her alleged blossoming love with the Norwegian contestant TIX also attracted a lot of attention. In may 2022, Efendi released a new song called “Being a woman”. Entries Mata Hari Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2021 LanguageEnglish Lyrics and musicAmy van der WelLuuk van BeersTony CornelissenJosh Earl DancersVeronika VolosovaAlexandra GolosnichenkoAdeline DeliAlina Lee Results Semi Points: 138Position: 8Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 65Position: 20Running order: 21 https://youtu.be/FTQ22S5YC7Q Cleopatra Country Azerbaijan Year2021 LanguageEnglish Lyrics and musicLuuk van BeersAlan Roy ScottSarah Lake ComposersLuuk van BeersAlan Roy ScottSarah Lake Backing Vocals– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0VzBCvO1Wk

Samira Efendi represents Azerbaijan

Public broadcaster Ictimai has confirmed that singer Samira Efendi will represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2020. The broadcaster selected the singer through an internal process. 5 candidates competed to represent Azerbaijan in Rotterdam: Efendi, Laman Dadasheva, Elvin Novruzov, Jabrail Rasulov and Riad Abdulov. In the end, Samira Efendi was selected based on the votes of an international group of musical experts, including music producers, authors and composers, journalists and television industry representatives. Samira is definitely dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest, this was her 5th attempt to represent Azerbaijan. source: eurovision.tv

James Newman represents the UK

Photo: Empire rights management In fact, it was already a strong rumour the last few days, but this morning, it is confirmed: James Newman will represent the United Kingdom in the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. The song is called “My last breath” and is written and composed by James himself, Iain Farquharson, Adam Argyle and Edward Drewett. Farquharson, a.k.a. Iain James, co-wrote the 2011 winning Eurovision song “Running scared” for Azerbaijan.James Newman is the brother of hitsinger John Newman and wrote several hits himself. He worked together with a.o. Calvin Harris and Armin van Buuren.

And this ís the allocation draw!

Today, the allocation draw took part. The following order is not known yet, but it is known which country has to perform in which semifinal. 1st semifinal, 1st half North Macedonia Belarus Lithuania Sweden Slovenia Australia Ireland Russia 1st semifinal, 2nd half Norway Cyprus Croatia Azerbaijan Malta Israel Ukraine Romania Belgium 2nd semifinal, 1st half Austria Moldova Poland San Marino Serbia Iceland Czech Republic Greece Estonia 2nd semifinal, 2nd half Denmark Bulgaria Switzerland Finland Armenia Latvia Georgia Portugal Albania final – these countries are automatically qualified France (votes in semi 2) Germany (votes in semi 1) Italy (votes in semi 1) Spain (votes in semi 2) The Netherlands (votes in semi 1) United Kingdom (votes in semi 2)

Today: semi final allocation draw

On Tuesday 28 January at 16:10 CET, the Semi-Final Allocation Draw will take place to decide which country will perform in which of the 2 Semi-Finals. During the ceremony, the Host City Insignia will be handed over from the city of Tel Aviv to the Mayor of Rotterdam. You can watch the entire event here at 16:10 CET. You will be able to see the 2020 Eurovision hosts Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit at work, as they will host the allocation draw too. The event will take place at Rotterdam’s City Hall. The pots for the allocation draw are as follows: Pot 1: Albania Austria Croatia North Macedonia Serbia Slovenia Switzerland Pot 2: Australia Denmark Estonia Finland Iceland Norway Sweden Pot 3: Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Moldova Russia Ukraine Pot 4: Bulgaria Cyprus Greece Malta Portugal Romania San Marino Pot 5: Belgium Czech Republic Ireland Israel Latvia Lithuania Poland source: eurovision.tv

Safura

About Quick Facts NameSafura Alizadeh Aliyev Born20 September 1992 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionLand Of Fire 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongDrip Drop (2010) Biography Safura Alizadeh Aliyev (Azerbaijani: Səfurə Əlizadə; born 20 September 1992) is a celebrated Azerbaijani pop singer Safura was born into a family with a rich artistic background; her father is a professional painter, and her mother, a pianist. Demonstrating musical talents from a very young age, Safura made her first stage appearance at six. She was part of children’s bands “Sharg Ulduzlari” and “Bulbullar” and received formal music training in violin and piano at the “Baku Musical School No2.” Additionally, she also learned to play the saxophone. After graduating from school No23 in Baku, she attended the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, later moving to Sweden to further her career. Safura rose to fame after winning the national contest “Pop Idol” (season 8) in 2009. In 2010, Safura won the Azerbaijani national final, leading her to the Eurovision stage in Oslo, Norway. Her Eurovision journey was supported by a team of professionals, including the song’s writers Anders Bagge, Stefan Örn, and Sandra Bjurman, and the choreography was designed by JaQuel Knight. Her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 marked a significant milestone in her career, where she represented Azerbaijan and secured the 5th place in the final with her song “Drip Drop,” achieving this feat at the tender age of 17. The song “Drip Drop” not only brought her international fame but also charted in several countries, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and Turkey.Following Eurovision, she embarked on a promotional tour across Europe and participated in various music festivals. Safura’s discography includes two albums, “It’s My War” released in 2010, and “Möcüze” released in 2021. The lead single from “It’s My War,” “Drip Drop,” achieved chart success in multiple countries. Another single, “March On,” was released from the same album. Over the years, she has released several singles, including “Tonight” in 2014, “High on Your Love” in 2020, and “L.O.V.E” in 2021. Despite facing challenges, such as terminating a contract with Euteria due to restrictive conditions, Safura has continued to pursue her music career and explore new opportunities. She also became a member of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in 2011. Safura’s personal life includes her marriage to Farhad Aliyev, the son of Azerbaijan’s Minister of Industry and Energy, Natig Aliyev, in 2013. They have three children together, two sons born in 2014 and 2019, and a daughter born in 2017, balancing her personal commitments with her professional achievements. Entries Drip Drop Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsSandra Bjurman MusicStefan ÖrnAnders Bagge BackingsSamantha PowellMarlene StrandAnna BergenholtzJohanna Eriksson DancerDenis Khrystyuk Results Semi Points: 113Position: 2Running order: 7 Results Finals Points: 145Position: 5Running order: 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRAN7AzEKak

Dilara Kazimova

© Dilara Kazimova About Quick Facts NameDilarə Kazımova Born20 May 1984 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionBöyük Səhnə 2014Land of Fire 2010Land of Fire 2008 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongStart A Fire (2014) Biography Dilarə Kazımova (born May 20, 1984, Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, USSR) is an Azerbaijani singer, actress, songwriter, and composer. Dilarə Kazımova graduated from the Republic Art Gymnasium in 2001. From 2002 to 2006, she attended the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyov, where she studied opera vocals. Dilara Kazımova began her artistic journey as a member of the group Woman. In 2004, she joined the music competition Sing Your Song, where she performed a duet called “Cherry” with the band Unformal. Her collaboration with the band was so successful that she eventually became the lead singer of Unformal. In the finals of Sing Your Song, held at the grand Haydar Aliyev Palace, Dilara and Unformal were celebrated as runners-up. In 2006, she broadened her artistic portfolio, starring alongside renowned actor Fəxrəddin Manafov in the film “Çalış, nəfəs alma”. The film was well-received, earning a prestigious award at the Salento Finibus Terrae international short film festival in Italy. Continuing her journey with Unformal, in 2007, they performed the theme song “Sonsuz Yol” for the film Sirat Körpüsü. Dilara’s first encounter with the Eurovision Song Contest came in 2008 when she participated as part of “Unformal”. They reached the final stage and secured second place. Then, in 2010, Dilara returned to the Eurovision national selection, this time as the lead singer of Milk and Kisses. Once again, they finished in second place. That same year, Dilara won New Wave held in Jurmala, Latvia, and she acted in a joint Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, and Russia production called “Qardaşımdan yaxşısı yox idi”. In the subsequent years, Dilara continued to make waves in the music industry. In 2012, she presented her duet “Doğma Mahnılar” with Orkhan Zeynallı. In 2013, she introduced her single “Мысли”, a melodic piece composed by Emin Kərimiyə with lyrics by Riyad Əliyev. Dilara’s dream to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest came true in 2014. She won the national selection through Böyük Səhnə, the natiuonal final for the contest, and earned the right to represent her country with the song “Start a Fire”. Dilara reached the final and earned a 22nd place there. She also represented Azerbaijan at the Ukrainian version of the TV show “The Voice” in 2014 and was a guest performer at the solo concert of the group Okean Elzı in Baku. In 2015, she acted in the film “4.1 şəhər motivləri”, also known as “Dmitrov küçəsi 86”. That same year, she performed the folk song “Laçın” on Turkey’s popular television show “Transparent Room” to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre. In 2018, Dilara dedicated her single “613” to the 26th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre. Later that year, she presented her single “Azərbaycan” at the Genclik Mall. She also performed at Star of Asia in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and collaborated with composer-singer Murad Arif to present the duet “Yalnız Səni Gözlədim”. In 2020, she released her single “Azərbaycanım”. In 2021, Dilara performed a duet with Elshad Xose called “Əsl sevgi”, with lyrics and music by Xose himself. She also introduced a single called “Ünvanımız xoşbəxtlik”, which she composed herself, and later in the year, she presented her singles “Qaralama” and “Olmaram”. In 2022, she teamed up with Ulviyya for the song “Korablik”. In December of that year, Dilara released two solo singles in English: “Running” and “Dream”. followed in 2023 by “Alov” and “Olmaz”. Entries Start A Fire Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsStefan ÖrnJohan KronlundAlessandra Günthardt MusicStefan ÖrnJohan KronlundAlessandra Günthardt BackingsJennie JahnsSofia LindströmLena Engman DancersMatleena Laine (trapeze artist) Results Semi Points: 57Position: 9Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: 33Position: 22Running order: 3 https://youtu.be/5mPUMPcFQAY

Sabina Babayeva

© Eurovisionary.com About Quick Facts NameSəbinə Babayeva Born02 December 1979 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2012Milli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongWhen The Music Dies (2012) Biography Sabin Babayeva is an Azerbaijani singer. Born on December 2, 1979, in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, Sabina Babayeva exhibited a passion for music from an early age. After completing her schooling, she honed her vocal skills at the Asaf Zeynalli Music College, affiliated with the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, where she was fortunate to be tutored by the revered Azerbaijani folk artist, Natəvan Şeyxova. Sabina Babayeva was awarded UNICEF’s special diploma for her participation in charity concerts. She made her mark in the Azerbaijani music scene by representing her country in various musical competitions. She won awards at international competitions in Belarus, including the Slavyanski Bazar 99 and Qızıl şlyager 99. She emerged as the top laureate at the Dalğa-99 and Qızıl Açar 2001 competitions in Baku, Azerbaijan. She received an invitation to the vocal department of the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) in 2002. In 2003, she gained widespread recognition for her performance of the song “Röya kimi” for the TV series “Bəyaz həyat.” Over the years, she explored the jazz genre, performing at the Baku Jazz Center. Sabina became the grand prize winner at the Amberstar 2009 International Music Telefestival during a sea voyage between Riga and Stockholm. She achieved the title of Grand Prix winner at the Slavyan ulduzu 2009 competition in Russia. She starred as a soloist in the musical Notre Dame de Paris between 2010 and 2011. Performed as a soloist at the Baku Jazz Center from 2011 and was a member of the group Aypara between 2007 and 2012. Babayeva’s journey with the Eurovision Song Contest began in 2011, where she vied for a chance to represent Azerbaijan but unfortunately did not reach the final selection. However, in 2012, she once again participated and emerged victorious. Babayeva represented Azerbaijan with her song “When the Music Dies,” presented on March 17. During the finals of the 57th Eurovision Song Contest, held on May 26, she sang alongside Azerbaijani folk artist and mugham performer, Alim Qasımov. She clinched the fourth position. After the Eurovision Song Contest she released the singles “”Gəl” and “Sevgi nəğməmiz”. 2013 saw the release of her songs “Eşq alovu” and “Oceans away,” the latter penned by Emin Ağalarova. The following year, she unveiled “Ey Azərbaycanım,” a song written by Günay Malikqızına. Sabina was a torchbearer at the First European Games held in Azerbaijan in 2015, where she performed the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She also was the honored guest at the closing concert of the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games. She released the single “Can” in the same year. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to music, Babayeva was honored with the title of Emeritus Artist of Azerbaijan on May 27, 2018. In the same year, her single “Dəli hisslər” was released. The song “Bir insan dünyam oldu” came out in May 2019. A month later she performed at the United Nations Public Service Forum, which was held in Baku. In November a Leyla Aliyeva-written Russian song was released, “Ya Ne Khochu Tebya Teryat”. She published her performance of the Withney Houston song “I Have Nothing” on YouTube, as it was a great success. On the 1st of April, 2021, her new song “Atəş” was released on all platforms. In August of the same year, her first song, recorded outside Azerbaijan, came out: “Moy Rodnoy, Khoroshiy”. On 13 June, 2023, her new Azerbaijani single “Sən ve mən” was there. Entries When The Music Dies Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsAnders BaggeSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnJohan Kronlund MusicAnders BaggeSandra BjurmanStefan ÖrnJohan Kronlund BackingsAlim QasımovAnna StrandbergJenny TarnebergAnna Nilsson Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 150Position: 4Running order: 13 https://youtu.be/yzT7O3Fnwpk?si=l4VdBRWlqloNhn7v

Samra

© EBU About Quick Facts NameSəmra Rəhimli Born20 October 1994 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionInternal selection 2016Milli Seçim Turu 2012 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm SongMiracle (2016) Biography Samra Rahimli was born in Baku. She studied at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. In 2012, Samra Rahimli participated in the National Selection of Azerbaijan to represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest. But the fact that 18-year-old Samra is young and inexperienced resulted in her defeat in the very first stage of the national finals. In 2014, Samra Rahimli took part in O Ses Türkiye (The Voice Turkey). In 2016, Samra Rahimli took part in Səs Azərbaycan (The Voice Azerbaijan). She performed the song “Wrecking Ball” in the first stage and all 4 judges turned to Samra khanum. Samra reached the final and became 4th in the overall contest. On March 10, 2016, it was decided that Samra Rahimli was going represent Azerbaijan in the 61st Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Miracle”. She reached the final there. After the Eurovision Song Contest, she released many non-album singles, like “Badminton” in 2017, “Ters gedir”, “Hypnotized” and “Pidzhak” in 2018, “Armas” in 2019 and “Queen” in 2020. On 1 December 2020 she released a single “Şuşa, biz qayıtmışıq” (Susha, we are back) about the war in Karabakh. Her debut album “Göz” came out in 2021. In 2023, the book “Mahnılarımız monitorinq aynasında” (Our songs in the monitoring mirror) prepared by the Monitoring Center under the Azerbaijan State Language Commission compiled a list of songs that promote the use of harmful habits, immoral lifestyles, behaviors that are contrary to mental values, and encourage aggressive actions and suicide. Defective songs are listed with the names of their authors and performers. Samra’s songs “Bandam”, “Armas” and “Göz” were also included in the list. Entries Miracle Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsAmir AliJakke “T.I. Jakke” ErixsonHenrik Wikström MusicAmir AliJakke “T.I. Jakke” ErixsonHenrik Wikström BackingsLars SäfsundJessica MarbergerAndrea NorbergZain OdelstålPatrik Riber Results Semi Points: 185Position: 6Running order: 14 Results Finals Points: 117Position: 17Running order: 4 https://youtu.be/cB8eSLyffsI

Farid Mammadov

About Quick Facts NameFərid Məmmədov Born30 August 1991 Nationality🇦🇿 Azerbaijani National SelectionMilli Seçim Turu 2013Milli Seçim Turu 2011 In Eurovision2013 Malmö SongHold Me (2013) Biography Farid Mammadov (Azerbaijani: Fərid Məmmədov, born 30 August 1991, Baku) is an Azerbaijani singer. At the age of six, he joined the music group named Bülbüllər founded by Aybeniz Haşimova as a lead singer. Mammadov completed his secondary education at Elitar High School and continued his studies at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. He also worked at the Baku Jazz Center. In 2011, Farid Mammadov participated in the 3rd week of the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Milli Seçim Turu. However, he did not make it to the final. He released his first single “Gəl yanıma” in 2012 Two years after his first attempt, he was more lucky: again, he participated in Milli Seçim Turu. In the final, he came first with the song “Hold Me” and thus earned the right to represent Azerbaijan at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden. In the Grand Final, he reached the 2nd place. The follow up song for his Eurovision performance was “K tebe”, and in 2014 “Hər an Yanımda”. In 2015 he performed at the closing ceremony of the 1st European Games, along with Sabina Babayeva. In 2016 Farid Mammadov married and moved to Los Angeles. Entries Hold Me Country🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Year2013 LanguageEnglish LyricsJohn BallardRalph Charlie MusicDimitris Kontopoulos BackingsAlvaro EstrellaFernando FuentesJennie Jahns DancersAlexander KuzmenkoIyrine Nevmyvanaya Results Semi Points: 139Position: 1Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: 234Position: 2Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/S7C3S2zuVp8