Not even a month has passed since lights went out in the final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest held in mid May in Moscow and already Azerbaijan have started their quest for the artists and song which will represent them in Oslo.

Two separate open calls for songs and artists has been launched by the Azeri national broadcaster to select the artist(s) and the song which will represent the country in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest. In the first phase, artist(s) wishing to participate must submit a karaoke version of the songs they want to take part with in the selection procedure, one of the songs must be a ballad and the second an uptempo one. The artist's dancing, acting abilities as well as their foreign language skills will be highly appreciated. Interested artists can apply to [email protected] including a photograph of themselves.

Details for the call for songs will be announced at a later date. There is no restriction as to the nationality of the composer or the language of the song, although lyrics in English and Azerbaijani will be appreciated.

A special facebook group has been launched for the Azeri 2010 Eurovision song Contest preselection (in Azerbaijani)

• Join the esctoday.com FACEBOOK page here
• Join the esctoday.com FACEBOOK group here