Azerbaijan to send a duet to Eurovision 2009

The Land of Fire announced the launch of the Eurovision duet of AySel and the author of her song Always. In the second ESC semi-final on 14 May in Moscow, young AySel will compete for the victory in Eurovision with the experienced songwriter and artist Arash by her side.

The decision to create the duet of AySel and Arash was taken by the 7-member jury of the Azerbaijani national final for the ESC 2009. This decision was heavily influenced by Arash’s own statements, which he made when his song Always won the Azerbaijani national selection to represent the country in Eurovision 2009. Arash was adamant that he is not only a songwriter and composer, but also a successful singer, and that is why he would like “to be on the Eurovision 2009 stage, and not just on its backstage.” This sincere acknowledgment of the author of Always gave the start to the Eurovision duet from Azerbaijan.

“This idea came to us already at the first audition of Arash’s song,” said Farhad Hajiyev, one of the jury members. “His song is about love, beautiful and pure, and love is always about two people! When in an interview Arash expressed his desire to perform for Azerbaijan, we arrived at a firm decision that our country will be represented by this romantic duet - AySel and Arash. Moreover, Arash has some Azerbaijani roots, as you may know!”

The popular songwriter and singer makes no secret that he has long been interested in the Eurovision Song Contest. In addition, one of the decisive factors for him was the offer to sing in duet with AySel.

“Performing with AySel was important for me, since I wrote Always specifically for her said Arash. “It is my sincere desire now to make our duet into something special for Eurovision 2009.”

Before announcing the duet, the Azerbaijani national jury made a somewhat unusual decision: to record a working version of Always performed by AySel and Arash. It is the song, they believe, that is the most important factor for a good result, let alone victory, in Eurovision.

“I was a little nervous,” said AySel after the recording. “Not about meeting Arash, just about the outcome of the recording. My worries proved to be groundless! We spend 48 hours in the studio, almost entirely; we changed and tweaked the song endlessly. The result of all our work you will hear very soon! What concern Arash, I am impressed by his professionalism as well as his open and friendly personality and charm.”