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Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008

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Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Country Azerbaijan
National selection
Selection processArtist: Land of Fire 2008
Song: Internal selection
Selection date(s)Artist: 2 February 2008
Song: 8 February 2008
Selected artist(s)Elnur and Samir
Selected song"Day After Day"
Selected songwriter(s)
  • Govhar Hasanzadeh
  • Zahra Badalbeyli
Finals performance
Semi-final resultQualified (6th, 96 points)
Final result8th, 132 points
Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest
2008 • 2009►

Azerbaijan debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Day After Day" written by Govhar Hasanzadeh and Zahra Badalbeyli. The song was performed by Elnur and Samir. The Azerbaijani Eurovision entrant for the 2008 contest in Belgrade, Serbia was selected through Land of Fire 2008, organised by the Azerbaijani broadcaster İctimai Television (İTV). The final took place on 2 February 2008 and a fifteen-member jury selected Elnur Hüseynov as the winner. The song "Day After Day", performed in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh, was internally selected and announced on 8 February.

Azerbaijan was drawn to compete in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest which took place on 20 May 2008. Performing during the show in position 7, "Day After Day" was announced among the 10 qualifying entries of the first semi-final and therefore qualified to compete in the final on 24 May. It was later revealed that Azerbaijan placed sixth out of the 19 participating countries in the semi-final with 96 points. In the final, Azerbaijan performed in position 20 and placed eighth out of the 25 participating countries, scoring 132 points.

Background

Main article: Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest

On 15 October 2007, the Azerbaijani national broadcaster, İctimai Television (İTV), confirmed their intentions to participate at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest after becoming an active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on 5 July 2007.[1][2] İTV would also broadcast the event within Azerbaijan and organise the selection process for the nation's entry. For their 2008 entry, the broadcaster opted to organise a national final titled Land of Fire, which resulted in the selection of a winning performer that would subsequently be given an internally selected song to perform at Eurovision.

Before Eurovision

Land of Fire 2008

Land of Fire 2008 was the national final organised by İTV that selected the Azerbaijani contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.[3] The competition took place on 2 February 2008 at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku, hosted by Husniyya Maharramova and Ilham Gasimov and was broadcast on İTV as well as streamed online via the broadcaster's website itv.az and the official Eurovision Song Contest website eurovision.tv.[4] The competition was also broadcast in Turkey on TRT2 and TRT Türk, in Georgia on GPB and in Lithuania on LRT.[5][6]

Format

The national final consisted of two stages. The first stage involved an audition period where interested artists attended auditions. Five artists were shortlisted, three of them which were selected to advance to the second stage, the televised show. In the final on 2 February 2008, the winner as determined by the votes of a thirteen-member jury panel was selected from the three artists who each performed two original songs.[7][8]

The members of the jury were:[9]

Competing artists

On 14 November 2007, İTV revealed that five potential performers had been shortlisted from 40 artists that attended a casting round held at the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre in Baku in October 2007: Aynur Iskenderli, Aytaj Jafarova, Elnur Hüseynov, Erkin Osmanli and Unformal.[10][11][12] On 11 January 2008, the three artists selected for the competition based on the decision of İTV and a six-member jury panel were announced.[13] The members of the jury were Azad Rahimov (Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan), Nargiz Pashayeva (professor), Akif Malikov (Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre), Vagif Gerayzade (composer), Faiq Suceddinov (singer and composer) and Tarana Muradova (folk artist and dancer).[14]

Final

The final took place on 2 February 2008 where the three artists each performed two original songs. Elnur Hüseynov was selected by the jury as the winner.[15] In addition to the performances of the artists, Turkish Eurovision Song Contest 2003 winner Sertab Erener, Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest 2004 winner Ruslana and Serbian Eurovision Song Contest 2007 winner Marija Šerifović performed during the show as guests.[16]

Final – 2 February 2008
Artist Draw Song 1 Draw Song 2
Elnur Hüseynov 1 "If You Never Back" (Isa Melikov, Paulina Melikova) 6 "Day After Day"[a] (Govhar Hasanzadeh, Zahra Badalbeyli)
Unformal 2 "Lalala Song" (Farida Jafarova, Dilara Kazimova) 5 "Little Muse" (Farida Jafarova, Igor Garanin, Togrul Manafov)
Aynur Iskenderli 3 "Swear That You Will Stay" (Ilham Abdullayev, Zahra Badalbeyli) 4 "Rhythm of Fire" (Mikhail Nekrasov, Zahra Badalbeyli)

Song selection

On 8 February 2008, İTV announced that Elnur Hüseynov would be performing the song "Day After Day" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh. The selection of the song was based on the decision of İTV and the thirteen-member jury panel of Land of Fire 2008 from the two songs performed by Hüseynov during the national final.[17][18] In April 2008, a new version of the song was recorded at the Modern World Studios in London, which included additional mugham vocals.[19]

Promotion

Elnur and Samir made several appearances across Europe to specifically promote "Day After Day" as the Azerbaijani Eurovision entry. Elnur and Samir performed "Day After Day" during the Ukrainian Eurovision national final on 23 February,[20] the Greek Eurovision national final Ellinikós Telikós 2008 on 27 February,[21] and the final of the Latvian Eurovision national final Eirodziesma 2008 on 1 March.[22] Between 3 and 5 March, Elnur and Samir took part in promotional activities in Georgia.[23] On 9 May, Elnur and Samir performed during a concert which was held at the Maslak Parkorman venue in Istanbul, Turkey.[24] Elnur and Samir also took part in promotional activities in Andorra, Finland, Malta, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.[10]

At Eurovision

It was announced in September 2007 that the competition's format would be expanded to two semi-finals in 2008.[25] According to the rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Four" (France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top nine songs from each semi-final as determined by televoting progress to the final, and a tenth was determined by back-up juries. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into six different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot. On 28 January 2008, a special allocation draw was held which placed each country into one of the two semi-finals. Azerbaijan was placed into the first semi-final, to be held on 20 May 2008.[26] The running order for the semi-finals was decided through another draw on 17 March 2008 and as one of the six wildcard countries, Azerbaijan chose to perform in position 7, following the entry from Belgium and before the entry from Slovenia.[27]

The two semi-finals and final were broadcast in Azerbaijan on İTV with commentary by Isa Melikov and Husniya Maharramova. The Azerbaijani spokesperson, who announced the Azerbaijani votes during the final, was Leyla Aliyeva.

Semi-final

Elnur and Samir during a rehearsal before the first semi-final

Elnur and Samir took part in technical rehearsals on 11 and 15 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 19 and 20 May.[28] The Azerbaijani performance featured Elnur and Samir dressed as angel and devil, which symbolised the eternal dialogue between good and evil, performing with four dancers. Samir performed on a throne which fell apart towards the end of the song. The performance also incorporated pyrotechnic effects.[29][30] In regards to the performance, Elnur and Samir stated: "The global main topic at this very moment is war. Everything evil comes from the devil - who is, in fact, just a fallen angel who was expelled from paradise. He symbolizes everything evil which happens on earth. However, he can turn into an angel again, which means winning over all evil. We just hope that this will happen some time soon in our world."[31]

At the end of the show, Azerbaijan was announced as having finished in the top 10 and subsequently qualifying for the grand final. It was later revealed that Azerbaijan placed sixth in the semi-final, receiving a total of 96 points.[32]

Final

Shortly after the first semi-final, a winners' press conference was held for the ten qualifying countries. As part of this press conference, the qualifying artists took part in a draw to determine the running order for the final. This draw was done in the order the countries were announced during the semi-final. Azerbaijan was drawn to perform in position 20, following the entry from France and before the entry from Greece.[33]

Elnur and Samir once again took part in dress rehearsals on 23 and 24 May before the final. The duo performed a repeat of their semi-final performance during the final on 24 May. At the conclusion of the voting, Azerbaijan finished in eighth place with 132 points.[34]

Voting

Below is a breakdown of points awarded to Azerbaijan and awarded by Azerbaijan in the first semi-final and grand final of the contest. The nation awarded its 12 points to Greece in the semi-final and to Turkey in the final of the contest.

Points awarded to Azerbaijan

Points awarded by Azerbaijan

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ^ Performed in a duet with Samir Javadzadeh.

References

  1. ^ "News Eurovision Finland 2007 Новости Евровидения 2007 Финляндия". Archived from the original on 8 July 2007. Retrieved 18 July 2007.
  2. ^ "Eurovision Song Contest | Belgrade (Serbia) 2008 – Articles". Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2007.
  3. ^ "Exclusive: Azerbaijan song will not be known at final". Esctoday (in English)
  4. ^ "Exclusive: Azeri final with Marija & Ruslana to be webcast". Esctoday (in English)
  5. ^ "ITV prepares state of the art show for Saturday". Archived from the original on 22 May 2009. Oikotimes (in English)
  6. ^ "Exclusive: Lithuanian TV link to Azerbaijan". Esctoday (in English)
  7. ^ "Azerbaijan selects Elnur Huseynov for Eurovision-2008". apa.az. 2 February 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Ex-winners of Eurovision Song Contest Sertap Erener, Ruslana and Maria Sherifovich arrive in Azerbaijan". apa.az. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  9. ^ "Milli Münsiflər". eurovision.az (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 1 February 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Azerbaijan 2008 / Азербайджан 2008". Esckaz (in English and Russian)
  11. ^ Hondal, Víctor (11 December 2007). "Azeri entrant to be revealed late December". Esctoday. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Azerbaijan starts Eurovision selection". wowTurkey. 29 October 2007.
  13. ^ "Exclusive: 3 Finalists for Azerbaijan known". Esctoday (in English)
  14. ^ Floras, Stella (16 October 2007). "Confirmed: Azerbaijan to participate in Eurovision 2008". Esctoday. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  15. ^ Klier, Marcus (2 February 2008). "Azerbaijan decided: Elnur Gusseinov to Eurovision". Esctoday.
  16. ^ "Top moments of 2011: Azerbaijan's first victory". eurovision.tv. 25 December 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  17. ^ Floras, Stella (8 February 2008). "Azerbaijan: Elnur goes to Eurovision with Day after day". Esctoday. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  18. ^ "There is misunderstanding who will represent Azerbaijan in Eurovision-2008 song contest". apa.az. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  19. ^ "Elnur & Samir continue promotion tour". eurovision.tv. 16 April 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  20. ^ "Ani Lorak to sing Shady Lady in Belgrade". eurovision.tv. 23 February 2008. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  21. ^ Drakouli, Rallou (19 February 2008). "(UPD) Revelations regarding the Greek national final". Oikotimes. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2008.
  22. ^ Floras, Stella (1 March 2008). "Live: Latvia decides for Eurovision". ESCToday. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  23. ^ Floras, Stella (3 April 2008). "Azerbaijan: Elnur and Samir in Georgia". Esctoday. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  24. ^ Floras, Stella (7 May 2008). "Azerbaijan: Elnur, Samir & Ruslana in Istanbul". Esctoday. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  25. ^ "Eurovision: 2 semi finals confirmed!". ESCToday.com. 31 July 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2007.
  26. ^ In First Semi-Final Azerbaijan to Compete with Armenia
  27. ^ Sietse Bakker (17 March 2008). "Belgrade 2008: The running order!". Eurovision.tv. Archived from the original on 18 March 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2008.
  28. ^ Floras, Stella (3 May 2008). "Eurovision 2008: Rehearsal schedule". Esctoday. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  29. ^ "Azerbaijan: Angel and devil on stage". eurovision.tv. 11 May 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  30. ^ "From Baku to Warsaw!". eurovision.tv. 15 May 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  31. ^ The official website of the Eurovision Song Contest. Interview: Eurovision.tv talks to Elnur & Samir.
  32. ^ "First Semi-Final of Belgrade 2008". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  33. ^ "First Semi-Final: Winners Press Conference [UPD]". eurovision.tv. 22 May 2008. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  34. ^ "Grand Final of Belgrade 2008". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  35. ^ a b "Results of the First Semi-Final of Belgrade 2008". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 24 April 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  36. ^ a b "Results of the Grand Final of Belgrade 2008". European Broadcasting Union. Archived from the original on 24 April 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
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