JIVA to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2026

JIVA - Azerbaijan's artist for Eurovision 2026

Overnight, Azerbaijani broadcaster İctimai Television announced that JIVA has been selected to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.

A total of 186 songs were submitted during the selection process to represent Azerbaijan at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.

Among them, 107 songs were sent in by local composers and performers, while 79 were sent by international songwriters.

During the initial evaluation stage, all submissions were reviewed by a professional panel and 18 candidates were invited to an audition.

At this stage, the candidates’ vocal abilities, stage presence and potential for an international audience were assessed.

Following the evaluation process, a shortlist of three candidates was decided upon.

The final decision was made based on the assessment of a specially formed focus group, which selected JIVA to represent Azerbaijan at Vienna 2026.

JIVA the artist

Jamila Hashimova, known professionally as JIVA, is an Azerbaijani singer recognised for her powerful vocals and the sincerity she brings to her performances.

Her artistic journey began in 2003, when she placed second at the Baku Autumn competition. In 2007, she went on to participate in the Show Time project.

Since then, she has been involved in a range of musical projects. She performed with the renowned RAST ensemble, led by Rashad Hashimov, and appeared on stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Later, as the lead vocalist of Hazz Band, she blended jazz influences with contemporary pop music.

Since 2017, JIVA has pursued her career as a solo artist, releasing music across the pop, dance and R&B genres in Azerbaijani, Russian and English. In 2025, she reached another milestone in her career when she won The Voice of Azerbaijan as part of Roya Aykhan’s team.

In 2011, JIVA also competed in Azerbaijan’s Eurovision national selection, Milli Seçim Turu 2011, which was held to choose the country’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Azerbaijan at Eurovision

Azerbaijan made their Eurovision debut in 2008 and competed every year since. They have reached the top 10 on seven occasions, including five top five results in a row from 2009 to 2013.

Azerbaijan won the Contest in 2011 with Ell and Nikki's duet Running Scared.

Over the last three years Azerbaijan have missed out on the Grand Final, hopefully JIVA can turn things around for them.

Azerbaijan will compete in the first half of semi-final 2 of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on 13 May 2025 in Basel.

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