Ictimai, the Azerbaijani national broadcaster has informed Esctoday.com that the 2013 Azerbaijani national selection, Milli Seçim Turu has been delayed owing to technical issues, initially it was scheduled to kick off on 19 November. The Azerbaijani broadcaster will release the dates for their 2013 Eurovision national selection in the coming days.
The Azerbaijani jury has shorlisted 80 candidates from the 128 applicants who applied to compete in Azerbaijani 2013 Eurovision national selection. Among the candidates there are many Azerbaijanis who reside overseas, in Germany, Denmark, Canada and Russia. A total of 80 artists will compete in the live shows, they have been divided in several groups.
Candidates from each group will have the chance to showcase their vocal skills throughout the week. Each group will be able to showcase their talent in the different genres. The shows will run from Monday- Friday (5 shows a week).
Monday – Eurovision hits
Tuesday -Azerbaijani music
Wednesday – World hits
Thursday – Stage performance
Friday – Candidates are free to perform song of their own choice – During the Friday show the artists will be able to repeat one of the 4 songs they have performed during the week.
Ictimai has received a total of 128 applications from the many candidates who wish to represent Azerbaijan at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest next May.
Ictimai exclusively revealed to Esctoday.com few weeks back that a special jury will select 100 candidates out of the 128 in order to compete in the national selection. The shows will be aired on Ictimai and are scheduled to kick off on November 19. Leila Guliyeva and Konul Arifkizi will have the honour of hosting the 2013 Milli Seçim Turu selection (Azerbaijani 2013 Eurovision national selection)
Azerbaijan debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 and won the event on its 4th attempt in 2011 with Ell and Nikki’s Running scared, thus bringing the contest to Baku in 2012.
Stay tuned to Esctoday.com for the latest news on Azerbaijan and its 2013 Eurovision Song Contest participation.
source: Esctoday.com
photograph: Ictimai
