Azerbaijan had a long internal semi-open selection going on and when apparently only two names were left according rumors İTV announced Fahree, a name outside those rumored two (but one of the final six). And a few days alter Ilkin Dovlatov was added as featuring. Özünlə apar was released March 15, 2024 as the last entry for the Eurovision song contest 2024. The song brings Azeri language back to contest and for the second year in a row (and only third time in general) the song is by Azeri songwriters instead of a song bought from Sweden or somewhere else. Hooray for that!
Fahree or Fakhri Ismayilov (28) is Azerbaijani singer-songwriter coming from an artistic family. His dad is a famous jazz drummer and his grandfather an actor. He has both Bachelor's and Master's degree in law buit during Covid-19 pandemic he realized music is what he wants to do in life. His first single Dance came out in 2022, and he has another one in 2023, and also a duet with Mila Miles in 2022.
Ilkin Dövlətov (33) brings original Azeri mugham singing to the entry. Also Ilkin comes from a mjusical family and started performing at the age of 4. Last year he took part in The Voice of Azerbaijan (native song selection) and finished second. He also took part in Azəri Star song contest. He has was also running for Eurovision in the internal selection but in trio with Mila Miles and Etibar Asadii and finished also in top-6. This Eurovision entry is his first official single featuring.
So, what do I think? I love this. It might be a bit underwhelming in whole but I love the atmosphere and the vocals. And the non over produced track. And of course the Azeri bits, the violins and all. One of my favorites! This feels authentic and real, unlike most this year.
In our Home Jury Azerbaijan scored solidly between 7 and 9.
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