The Azerbaijani broadcaster ITV has started the procedure for selecting their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. They go again for an internal selection. Their representative will be revealed on March 14th.
ITV has just revealed its plans for this year’s Eurovision. Once more, the Azerbaijani broadcaster has opened submissions for an internal selection. All interested singers and composers can send their applications (audio, video link, personal details) by sending an e-mail to eurovision2016@itv.az before February 10th. Singers must be of Azerbaijani origin, either living in the country or abroad. An expert committee will select the best song to represent the land of fire in Stockholm. The artist and the song will be revealed on March 14th.
Azerbaijan in Eurovision Song Contest
Azerbaijan made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, after İctimai Televiziya (İTV) became an active member of the European Broadcasting Union. Azerbaijan was the last country in the Caucasus to join. Azerbaijan, since its debut in 2008, has never missed the final. Four years after the country debuted at Eurovision, Azerbaijan won the contest in 2011, setting the record of the lowest average score for a winning song under the current voting system (in place since 1975). Surprisingly, Azerbaijan managed a Top 5 placing in each of the five following contests – 3rd in 2009, 5th in 2010, won the contest in 2011, 4th in 2012 at home, and runner-up in 2013. The country allegedly spent 1 billion Azerbaijani manat on hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, which included building a brand new arena. This was the largest amount of money any country had ever spent hosting the contest.
Last year, Azerbaijan internally chose Elnur Huseynov and his song Hour of the Wolf. He achieved a 12th place at the Grand Final.
Below you can watch Elnur performing his song Hour Of The Wolf at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna:
