In their first six years at the Eurovision Song Contest, Azerbaijan always made it to the Top 10 of the final. But, between 2013 and 2018, the country disappeared from the left side of the table. Until Chingiz came around.
The song ‘Truth’ collected 302 points in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. It finished in fifth place with the jury vote (202 points) and 8th place in the televote. Making it a pretty confident Top 10 finisher in Tel Aviv. Will this mark the rebirth of the Azeri era at Eurovision?
Strong comeback after first non-qualification
Azerbaijan was one of the nations that lost its 100% track record of qualifying from the semi final stage at Eurovision in 2018. ‘X My Heart’ by Aisel did not make the cut, and after some disappointing results in the years before the strong nation was now even absent in the Grand Final. “Not again”, must have been the thought at broadcaster Ictimai.
The broadcaster internally selected Chingiz. The winner of Pop Idol 2007 was not known for singing regular pop songs, but was awarded one with ‘Truth’. His entry was a song which did not really fit into his ‘flamenco’ genre that he has performed since 2011. The song stayed under the radar for the bookmakers for a long time, but turned out to be a grower.
Most surprising country at the rehearsals?
It was not until after their first rehearsal, that Chingiz and ‘Truth’ became a contender at this years Eurovision. As we got to know the nation, their staging was of excellent rating. Robotic arms, projecting a heart on his chest. His spirit being lifted in the air for the climax. Azerbaijan made their Eurovision performance a visual spectacle again, something which helped them on the road to glory in 2012 and 2013.
Being the closing act of the second semi final, viewers at home had to wait long until they could see what all the fuss was about. But when they did, they were convinced as well. Chingiz placed 5th with 224 points, thus qualifying for the grand final after missing out in 2018.
“The staging was absolutely new to me”
Chingiz was – obviously – very pleased with his result. “It was an amazing journey that opened new horizons! I have never felt such support!” he wrote on Facebook. “’Truth’ staging was absolutely new for me. I’ve never sang with robots! And definitely have never performed for so many people!
Thank you, Azerbaijan! We dared to dream together! ?”
This post is in collaboration with ESCDaily.com