JIVA is returning to Eurovision after 15 years
Azerbaijani singer JIVA will perform today in the second Eurovision semi-final. This isn’t the artist’s first time in the contest—back in 2011, she was among the finalists in Azerbaijan’s national selection, and now she returns as one of the country’s leading music stars, according to the official Eurovision website.
JIVA is known for her powerful vocals, emotional performances, and love of experimenting with music. She effortlessly blends pop, R&B, dance beats, and jazz elements, which is why she is often called one of the most unconventional singers on the Azerbaijani music scene.
The artist’s real name is Jamila Hashimova. Her musical career began back in 2003, when she took second place in the “Baku Autumn” competition. After that, JIVA actively performed at various music venues and gradually became well-known in Azerbaijan. One of the key milestones in her career was her collaboration with the renowned RAST ensemble. Together with the musicians, she performed at international festivals, including the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Later, JIVA became the lead vocalist of the Hazz Band, where she began blending jazz with contemporary pop music.
Since 2017, the singer has focused on her solo career. She releases songs in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English. In her tracks, JIVA often relies on emotions, personal experiences, and powerful vocals, rather than just a flashy show.
The artist gained a new wave of popularity in 2025 after winning the show “The Voice of Azerbaijan.” She performed on the team of popular Azerbaijani singer Roya Ayhan and, following the finale, saw a sharp increase in her audience on social media and streaming platforms.
There have also been frequent controversies surrounding JIVA. Her blunt comments about the Azerbaijani show business and music industry were actively discussed on social media. The artist openly stated that it is difficult for many young performers in the country to break through without connections and the support of major producers. “I’ve always sung the way I feel. Even if some people don’t like it,” JIVA said in one of her interviews.
Some fans also criticized the singer for her overly bold stage looks and stylistic experiments. At the same time, this is precisely what helped her stand out among other Azerbaijani artists. Her fans pay special attention to her live performances. Many believe that JIVA sounds her strongest on stage—without backing tracks or studio processing.
Today, the singer will perform second in the second Eurovision semifinal. A total of 15 artists will take part in the show, competing for a spot in the contest’s grand final.
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