A total of  9 acts competed in the first heat in their quest to qualify for the semifinal. Pop singer Vugar Muradov was declared  the winner of the first heat  after a mixed jury/televoting deliberation, thus becoming the 1st semifinalist. “New skin” was the runner up followed by Muradkhanova  who came in 3rd. Top Azerbaijaini fashion designer Fakhriyya Khalafova attended the show as a special guest of honour and  had the  honour of presenting the participants with gifts.

Another 9 acts are competing are competing in the 2nd heat of Milli Secim Turu this week:

A total of 8 groups will compete  in the Azerbaijani 2013 national selection this year,  hence a total of  8 artists will qualify directly to the semi-final. The heats run each week from Monday- Friday. The results are announced on Friday. Throughout the week  the competing artists have a chance to showcase their talent and vocal skills.

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.

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.

 

The procedure is the same way as every year. The candidates will showcase their talent and skills throughout the week.  On Fridays, the weekly  winner will be selected and announced. The winners from the weekly shows will hence qualify to compete in the 2013 Azerbaijani national final. The representative will be determined by both audience voting and jury.

The shows are aired on Ictimai , the national selection is expeted to end by mid March with the grand finale  of  Milim Secim Turu 2013.  Leila Guliyeva and Konul Arifkizi are the hosts of  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’sRunning  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.

Photographs: Ictimai

Vugar Muradov-OPA