Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (İTV) has issued an official statement regarding Azerbaijan's representative and song for the "Eurovision 2026" International Song Contest.
Modern.az reports that the statement says:
"The song "Just Go" performed by JIVA, Azerbaijan's representative in the "Eurovision 2026" International Song Contest, has been presented to the public. In light of various discussions on social networks in recent days regarding our representative, song selection, and creative team, we deem it necessary to provide the public with more detailed information about the selection process.
The process of determining Azerbaijan's representative for this year was carried out based on a multi-stage and professional selection. This approach is consistent with the selection model consistently applied by the delegation since 2023. It should be noted that interest in this process has significantly increased in recent years. While in previous periods the share of foreign authors in song selection was higher, in recent years the activity of local composers and authors has noticeably increased. It is gratifying that local authors predominate among the songs submitted this year.
A total of 100 applications were received for the selection stage, and within this framework, 186 songs were submitted. Of the submitted songs, 107 were sent by local authors and performers, and 79 by foreign authors. From the initial stage, JIVA's candidacy was separately reviewed by experts within the selection process, and her success as the winner of the "Səs Azərbaycan" project in 2025 was also taken into account in the evaluation. This approach was justified by her being an already established performer on the professional stage, her strong live vocal capabilities, and years of accumulated stage experience. Other applications were evaluated by a professional team, and 18 candidates were selected and invited to the next stage. At this stage, live auditions and individual interviews were organized for them. The candidates' vocal abilities, stage presentation, artistic expression style, and potential for an international audience were evaluated with particular care. As a result of the auditions, two more candidates were identified, and thus, the final shortlist consisted of three participants. The final decision was made based on the results of a specially formed focus group and expert opinion. One of the main criteria considered was the reintroduction of jury voting in the semifinal stage of "Eurovision" starting this year. Given that strong live performance and stable vocal capabilities are of particular importance in light of this change, this criterion was considered one of the main priorities during the selection. It was precisely from this perspective that JIVA's candidacy stood out more prominently, and she was chosen as Azerbaijan's representative for 2026.
JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) is an Azerbaijani singer known for her powerful vocals, experienced performance, and stage sincerity. Her creative journey began in 2003 when she won second place in the "Baku Autumn" competition. In 2007, she participated in the "Show Time" project, and in 2011, she entered the top three in the "Eurovision" national selection week. The singer has successfully participated in various music projects. She performed with the famous RAST ensemble, led by People's Artist Rashad Hashimov, and appeared on stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Later, as the soloist of the Hazz Band group, she combined jazz elements with modern pop music. Since 2017, JIVA has continued her solo career, performing songs in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English in pop, dance, and R&B genres. In 2018, she performed on the main stage of the "Jara" International Music Festival, and in 2025, she became the winner of the "Səs Azərbaycan" project in Röya Aykhan's team.
The song that will represent Azerbaijan in "Eurovision 2026" - "Just Go" - is an emotional ballad about love, sorrow, and inner strength. The lyrics and music of the song were authored by Fuad Javadov, an Azerbaijani composer living in the USA. He is a composer and producer who has been active in various music projects for many years, both in Azerbaijan and the USA. Born in Baku in 1961, Fuad Javadov first studied accordion at Music School No. 6, then entered the music theory and composition faculty of the Asaf Zeynally Music College. During his studies, he simultaneously worked at "Azkonsert" with Ilhama Guliyeva, Nisa Gasimova, Mubariz Taghiyev, and other renowned artists, and also formed his own vocal-instrumental ensemble, performing concert programs. In 1986, the composer entered the Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Conservatory, where he studied choir conducting and composition. During his studies, his composition teachers were Aziz Azizov, Leonid Weinstein, and Faraj Garayev. It was under their guidance that he composed classical instrumental works for various musical instruments and vocals. Living in the USA since 1995, Fuad Javadov has released five music albums, written music for film and television projects, and currently continues his creative activities in Los Angeles. It should be noted that Fuad Javadov is a member of the American Composers Association.
In addition, all songs submitted during the selection stage were carefully reviewed within the framework of general rules, and the necessary criteria related to their preparation process were evaluated. In recent days, various claims regarding the song and its author, including ideas that the work was allegedly created using artificial intelligence, have been voiced on social networks. We state that these ideas do not reflect the truth. "Just Go" is an original musical work prepared based on a professional creative approach, and behind it lies years of experience, professional knowledge, and creative effort.
We are always open to constructive criticism. It is natural to have different opinions on a large platform like "Eurovision". However, we believe that public discussions should be conducted within the framework of mutual respect, healthy exchange of ideas, and an objective approach.
JIVA is a talented, hardworking, and deserving artist who will represent Azerbaijan on the international stage this year. She has earned this opportunity through her professional preparation, years of developed creativity, and stage skills".
It should be noted that the 70th "Eurovision" Song Contest will be held in Vienna, the capital of Austria, and live shows will take place on May 12, 14, and 16, 2026.
