The Eurovision Song Contest is heading toward its 70th edition, which will take place in Vienna (Austria) on May 12, 14, and 16 at the Wiener Stadthalle.
The European contest once again features Azerbaijan, a Caucasian country aiming for its second victory. As in recent editions, the Azerbaijani broadcaster İctimai Television has once again internally selected its representative. On this occasion, the chosen artist is JIVA, the stage name of Jamila Hashimova, who will be responsible for defending the country’s colors with the song “Just Go”.
How did she make it to Eurovision? What experience does she have in the music world? How is she preparing her entry with which she will compete in Vienna 2026?
In this edition, we take a look at JIVA’s musical career, the context of her candidacy, and her song. Azerbaijan’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will try to take her country back to the grand final with “Just Go,” in what will be Azerbaijan’s 19th participation in the European contest.
This is JIVA, the Eurovision Song Contest as a professional goal
JIVA, stage name of Jamila Hashimova, is an Azerbaijani singer born on 9 September 1982 in Moscow, recognized for her powerful voice and her ability to convey emotion on stage. Although she was born in Russia, she developed her career mainly in Azerbaijan, where she has built a solid and versatile trajectory within contemporary music.
Her first professional steps date back to 2003, when she achieved second place in the “Baku Autumn” competition, standing out for a sincere performance that caught the jury’s attention. In the following years, she took part in various television and music projects, such as “Show Time” in 2007, and in 2011 she attempted to represent Azerbaijan in Eurovision through the national selection, although she did not manage to advance to the decisive stages.
During this period, she was part of the group RAST as a backing vocalist, with whom she explored a fusion of romantic pop, European sounds and traditional Azerbaijani music. This experience allowed her to perform on international stages, including the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in 2014, where she shared the stage with renowned musicians. Later, she became the lead vocalist of Hazz Band, further exploring the blend of jazz and contemporary pop.
In 2017 she began her solo career under the name JIVA, embracing a style that combines pop, dance and R&B. Since then, she has released various singles in Azerbaijani, Russian and English, demonstrating remarkable artistic versatility. Among her most notable tracks are “Stop Crying”, “Hey Guy”, “Telefon Söhbəti”, “Yalan” and “Rəqs Et”, consolidating her presence in the music scene of her country and beyond.
The major turning point came in 2025, when she was declared the winner of “The Voice Azerbaijan”, which significantly boosted her popularity. Following this success, she released new material and was internally selected to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2026 with the ballad “Just Go”.
This is “Just Go,” JIVA’s entry to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2026
“Just Go” (Simply Go Away), JIVA’s song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, is a ballad in English and Azerbaijani composed by Fuad Javadov. Anar Keytarman and Rustam Rzayev took part in the arrangement and mastering.
It was released on March 9 amid some controversy due to suspicions of the use of Artificial Intelligence in its creation. In fact, the Azerbaijani public broadcaster was forced to issue a statement defending the song’s composition process by the composer.
“Just Go” tells the story of a deep emotional breakup, marked by the transition from idealized love to disillusionment. It is a love that is not only felt, but also defines who one is. However, that bond is broken when deception is discovered, a romantic and emotional betrayal. From a place of empowerment, the protagonist also begins to assert herself as someone who can shine on her own. It is a story of transformation, of loving without limits to setting boundaries in order to heal.
Lyrics
English & Azerbaijani
I carried your love inside my heart each day,
You said our fire would never fade away
Your name was my dream at night,
Your name when I saw the light,
Oh, I was yours all the way
But now I see through your disguise,
The truth is burning in my eyes.
Go – I don’t love you anymore, go,
Without you I’ll shine, you know,
I’ll erase you from my soul
Go – I don’t wanna see your face, go,
No more tears will ever flow,
I’m begging you – just go
You said we’d be forever, side by side,
You said our love would never die
But you fooled me once again,
You played your little game,
You burned the faith I had inside
Now every word feels like a lie,
I’m done – I’m saying goodbye
Go – I don’t love you anymore, go,
Without you I’ll shine, you know,
I’ll erase you from my soul
Go – I don’t wanna see your face, go,
No more tears will ever flow,
I’m begging you – just go
Məni tərk et, yoruldum yalandan (Leave me, I’m tired of the lies)
Məni tərk et, bezmişəm bu oyundan (Leave me, I’m fed up with this game)
Məni tərk et, qurtulum bu alovdan (Leave me, I want to escape from this fire)
Məni tərk et, çıx mənim dünyamdan (Leave me, get out of my world)
English
I carried your love inside my heart each day,
You said our fire would never fade away.
Your name was my dream at night,
Your name when I saw the light,
Oh, I was yours all the way.
But now I see through your disguise,
The truth is burning in my eyes.
Go – I don’t love you anymore, go,
Without you I’ll shine, you know,
I’ll erase you from my soul.
Go – I don’t wanna see your face, go,
No more tears will ever flow,
I’m begging you – just go.
You said we’d be forever, side by side,
You said our love would never die.
But you fooled me once again,
You played your little game,
You burned the faith I had inside.
Now every word feels like a lie,
I’m done – I’m saying goodbye.
Go, my dreams have turned to ashes
Go, this is my final decision
Go, don’t hurt my soul, go
Go, let my tomorrow open up
Go, I’ve lived a life in pain
Go, I’m begging you, just leave
Leave me now, I’m tired of your lies,
Leave me now, I’m done with your disguise.
Leave me now, let me escape this flame,
Leave me now, step out of my world.
Go
Go
Go
Azerbaijan at Eurovision: A Quick History
Azerbaijan debuted in Eurovision in 2008 with Elnur & Samir and the song “Day After Day”, achieving eighth place in its first participation. Between 2009 and 2013 it experienced its strongest period, with several consecutive Top five results and its victory in 2011 with Ell & Nikki and “Running Scared”. In later years, results were more irregular, although it still achieved some notable placements such as Chingiz’s eighth place in 2019.
In 2024 Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov failed to qualify for the final, being eliminated in the semifinals. In 2025 Mamagama also did not reach the final and finished in last place in its semifinal, stringing together several years without appearing in the grand final of the European contest.