🇦🇿 Road to Malmö: Azerbaijan

photo: EBU

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Therefore, we have a closer look at one of the contestants every day. Today: Azerbaijan.

Fahree

Fahree, an emerging Azerbaijani musician, was born into a culturally rich family in Baku, 1995. With a jazz drummer father and an esteemed actor grandfather, the arts were deeply ingrained in his upbringing. Despite a diligent academic pursuit resulting in law degrees, the 2020 pandemic rekindled his inherent musical inclination. Forsaking law for his true calling, Fahree launched his music career with the 2022 hit “Dance.” Further success came with “Apardı uzağlara,” a collaboration with Mila Miles. His track “Yollar” solidified his rising fame in February 2023. Come March 2024, Fahree’s artistic journey ascended as he was chosen to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Ilkin Dovlatov

Ilkin Dovlatov, a distinguished Azerbaijani mugham vocalist, was born into a musical family on June 16, 1990, in Baku. His talent emerged early with a debut performance at age four. Recognized by his school music teacher, Dovlatov pursued his musical aspirations, leading to his acclaim as the runner-up on The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2023, guided by mentor Ilqar Khayal. He further showcased his abilities in the Azəri Star contest. In October 2023, he joined the final contenders for Azerbaijan’s Eurovision entry, eventually teaming up with Fahree to perform “Özünlə apar” on the Eurovision stage, representing their cultural heritage with pride.

Mugham

Mugham is an intricate form of traditional Azerbaijani music, renowned for its rich improvisational character. It intertwines passionate singing with the complex modal structure of the “mugham” modes, often accompanied by the tar (a long-necked lute), the kamancheh (a bowed string instrument), and the daf (a type of frame drum). Rooted in the cultural intersections of the Silk Road, mugham is more than music; it’s a spiritual journey that narrates stories of love, loss, and the divine through its deeply emotional and philosophical performances. This UNESCO-recognized art form is a cornerstone of Azerbaijani culture, reflecting the nation’s soul and historic ethos. It is the third time (after 2008 and 2012) that a mugham singer can be heard at Eurovision.

Seyid Sushinski Ansambl, Mugham, photo: Wikimedia Commons

Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest

Elnur & Samir represented Azerbaijan in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Day after day”. It meant the debut of the country in the contest. With an 8th place, it was an immediate succes. So far the first and only victory came already in 2011, when Ell & Nikki won the contest with “Running scared”. But let’s not forget AySel & Arash (3rd in 2009), Safura (5th in 2010), Sabina Babayeva (5th in 2012) and Farid Mammadov (2nd in 2013). Last year, the twins TuralTuranX didn’t make it to the final.

Ell & Nikki

The Bookmakers

Currently, Azerbaijan has a 30th place in the odds to win the contest. If we look at that, it might be a tough job for Azerbaijan to reach the final. However, stage performance and act might lift the country up in the ranking.

The song

And this is the song:

 

Picture of Martijn

Martijn

See all contributions

Related news
Eurovision 2026

Noam Bessan represents Israel

Israel participates in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Noam Bessan has won the contest. The song will be announced later. Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson and Itay Levy were the judges. The song titles are no Eurovision Songs, as HaKokhav Haba is a talent show. The final starts at 20.30 CET and will be aired through Mako. Final date: 20 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one.  * Alona Erez Chandelier   elimintade a     * Gal De Paz Fame   advanced       * Noam Bettan Nitzacht Iti Hakol   advanced       * Shira Zloof Ahava   advanced       The three finalists are:           * Shira Zloof Hoplessly Devoted To You 74 3       * Noam Bettan Dernière Danse 192 1       * Gal De Paz All I Ask 94 2       The song, the winner will sing, will be announced later.       32nd round, semifinal date: 16 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one.  1 Alona Erez You Are The Reason   64 3       2 Shaked Solomon Standing At The Gate   53 5       3 Gal De Paz Oscar-winning tears   68 2       4 Shira Zloof Behom Shel Tel Aviv   56 4       5 Noam Bettan Formidable   70 1       The jury saved Shira Zloof. Shaked Solomon had to leave the show.   31st round, quarter final date: 13 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Hanan Ben Ari. 1 Gal De Paz Mimech Ad Elay   60 1       2 Shaked Solomon Ma Ata Rotze Mimeni?   46 4       3 Alona Erez Shvurei Lev   41 5       4 Michael HarPaz Amen Al Hayeladim   38 6       5 Shira Zloof Im Tirtzi   52 3       6 Noam Bettan Atalef Iver   58 2       The jury saved Alona Erez. Michael HarPaz had to leave the show.   30th round date: 13 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. 1 Michael Harpaz Lose Control   46 4       2 Shaked Solomon Brit olam   44 5       3 Gal De Paz Proud Mary   50 3       4 Alona Erez Idontwannabeyouanymore   42 6       5 Nave Levi Sipur makhur   37 7       6 Noam Bettan Someone You Loved   52 2       7 Shira Zloof Million Years Ago   58 1       The jury saved Alona Erez. Nave Levi had to leave the show.   29th round date: 11 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Shlomo Artzi. 1 Michael HarPaz Tagidi   90% 1       2 Alona Erez Gever Holekh Lelbud   43% 5       3 Agam Hazan Alash   66% 4       4 Nave Levi Yareach   90% 1       5 Noam Bettan Latet ve Lakachat   84% 3       The jury saved Alona Erez. Agam Hazan had to leave the show.   28th round date: 10 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Shlomo Artzi. 1 Tamir Levy Navreti lach   79% 3       2 Shira Zloof Iceland   92% 1       3 Shaked Solomon Sadot shel Iruzim   55% 4       4 Gal De Paz Akhrei Hakol At Shir   81% 2       The jury saved Shaked Solomon. Tamir Levy had to leave the show.   27th round date: 7 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. 1 Nave Levi Mademoiselle   88% 1       2 Agam Hazan How Far I’ll Go   66% 4       3 Shaked Solomon Ananim   79% 3       4 Dorin Or Leilot ve kelalot   52% 5       5 Shira Zloof Kol Hazman Haze   86% 2       The jury saved Agam Hazan. Dorin Or had to leave the show.   26th round date: 6 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two

Read More »
January 20, 2026 No Comments
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Noam Bessan represents Israel

Israel participates in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Noam Bessan has won the contest. The song will be announced later. Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson and Itay Levy were the judges. The song titles are no Eurovision Songs, as HaKokhav Haba is a talent show. The final starts at 20.30 CET and will be aired through Mako. Final date: 20 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one.  * Alona Erez Chandelier   elimintade a     * Gal De Paz Fame   advanced       * Noam Bettan Nitzacht Iti Hakol   advanced       * Shira Zloof Ahava   advanced       The three finalists are:           * Shira Zloof Hoplessly Devoted To You 74 3       * Noam Bettan Dernière Danse 192 1       * Gal De Paz All I Ask 94 2       The song, the winner will sing, will be announced later.       32nd round, semifinal date: 16 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one.  1 Alona Erez You Are The Reason   64 3       2 Shaked Solomon Standing At The Gate   53 5       3 Gal De Paz Oscar-winning tears   68 2       4 Shira Zloof Behom Shel Tel Aviv   56 4       5 Noam Bettan Formidable   70 1       The jury saved Shira Zloof. Shaked Solomon had to leave the show.   31st round, quarter final date: 13 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Hanan Ben Ari. 1 Gal De Paz Mimech Ad Elay   60 1       2 Shaked Solomon Ma Ata Rotze Mimeni?   46 4       3 Alona Erez Shvurei Lev   41 5       4 Michael HarPaz Amen Al Hayeladim   38 6       5 Shira Zloof Im Tirtzi   52 3       6 Noam Bettan Atalef Iver   58 2       The jury saved Alona Erez. Michael HarPaz had to leave the show.   30th round date: 13 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. 1 Michael Harpaz Lose Control   46 4       2 Shaked Solomon Brit olam   44 5       3 Gal De Paz Proud Mary   50 3       4 Alona Erez Idontwannabeyouanymore   42 6       5 Nave Levi Sipur makhur   37 7       6 Noam Bettan Someone You Loved   52 2       7 Shira Zloof Million Years Ago   58 1       The jury saved Alona Erez. Nave Levi had to leave the show.   29th round date: 11 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Shlomo Artzi. 1 Michael HarPaz Tagidi   90% 1       2 Alona Erez Gever Holekh Lelbud   43% 5       3 Agam Hazan Alash   66% 4       4 Nave Levi Yareach   90% 1       5 Noam Bettan Latet ve Lakachat   84% 3       The jury saved Alona Erez. Agam Hazan had to leave the show.   28th round date: 10 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. In this round, all the artists had to sing a song from the repertoire of Shlomo Artzi. 1 Tamir Levy Navreti lach   79% 3       2 Shira Zloof Iceland   92% 1       3 Shaked Solomon Sadot shel Iruzim   55% 4       4 Gal De Paz Akhrei Hakol At Shir   81% 2       The jury saved Shaked Solomon. Tamir Levy had to leave the show.   27th round date: 7 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two participants with the least points. They could save one. 1 Nave Levi Mademoiselle   88% 1       2 Agam Hazan How Far I’ll Go   66% 4       3 Shaked Solomon Ananim   79% 3       4 Dorin Or Leilot ve kelalot   52% 5       5 Shira Zloof Kol Hazman Haze   86% 2       The jury saved Agam Hazan. Dorin Or had to leave the show.   26th round date: 6 januariPlace: Communication Centre, Neve IlanHosts: Assi Ezer & Rotem Sela As this is a talent show, the songs were not their Eurovision songs. The jury had to choose between the two

Read More »
January 20, 2026 No Comments
© 2019 – 2026 Eurovision Universe / eurovisionuniverse.com

Maintained in cooperation with IT-M.art

Follow Us: