Singer Jamila Hashimova, known by her stage name JIVA, will represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, sparking discussion among Eurovision fans online.
Azerbaijan officially unveiled its entry Just Go on 9 March, releasing the track together with its music video. The song, written and composed by Azerbaijani-American songwriter Fuad Javadov, blends pop and emotional ballad elements, focusing on heartbreak, self-reflection, and starting a new chapter after a failed relationship.
Following the song’s release, Eurovision fans quickly began sharing their reactions online. Some listeners praised the track’s emotional tone and JIVA’s vocals, describing it as a classic Eurovision-style ballad. Others expressed more mixed reactions, suggesting the entry may struggle to stand out in a competitive field.
The release also sparked speculation on social media about whether artificial intelligence had been involved in the song’s creation. The broadcaster rejected these claims, stating that “Just Go” is an original work produced through a professional creative process.
According to Azerbaijan’s national broadcaster Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, the country’s Eurovision representative was chosen through a multi-stage selection process. A total of 100 applications were submitted, featuring 186 songs by both local and international composers. After several rounds of evaluation, including live auditions and interviews, three finalists were shortlisted before JIVA was selected as the final representative This approach is consistent with the selection models that the delegation has consistently applied since 2023.
With jury voting returning to the semi-finals this year, organisers say strong live vocals were a key factor in the selection of Azerbaijan’s representative. Whether JIVA’s entry will resonate with audiences across Europe remains to be seen.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria, with semi-finals on 12 and 14 May and the grand final scheduled for 16 May.