Eurovision 2024: Azerbaijan’s First Rehearsal!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Next on the stage of Eurovision 2024 in Malmö for their first rehearsal is Azerbaijan which is represented by Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov and their song “Özünlə apar”.

Who are Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov?

Fahree, full name Fakhri Ismayilov, was born on 11th of April 1995 in Baku and is an Azeri singer and songwriter. He was raised in an artistic family, his father being a jazz drummer and his grandfather being an actor. He has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in law. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he devoted himself more to music and pursued his childhood dream of becoming a musician

Ilkin Dovlatov born on 16th June 1990 is is an Azeri mugham singer. He was raised in a musical family, his father being a major inspiration for him to start pursuing a musical career. At the age of four, Dovlatov performed his first song “Qəlbimdə qaldı”. During his school years, a music teacher discovered Dovlatov’s talent in singing and encouraged him to perform his music. He rose to prominence after finishing second in The Voice of Azerbaijan in 2023.

The Rehearsal

Time for Azerbaijan, with FAHREE performing a huge ballad sung in English and Azerbaijani. It has some lovely orchestral strings that fill the arena – additional Mugham vocals are provided by Ilkin Dovlatov, and the whole thing comes together to create a mix of traditional Azeri sounds with a really contemporary edge.

FAHREE’s outfit is black and silver and gives off an armoured vibe, and Ilkin is in black with sparkly sleeves. For most of the song FAHREE is alone in the centre of the stage, backed my monochrome graphics that show an animated figure slowly emerging from water. In the second half two huge cupped hands appear on the stage so FAHREE can sing the final verse and chorus standing between them.

This is a really difficult performance to describe in words, because it’s less about the individual staging elements and more about the powerful atmosphere they create together – a combination of shadowy lighting, graphics, contrasting vocals and FAHREE’s expressive body movements.

The official video to this song came out yesterday, and if you watch that you’ll get a good feel for the energy on stage right now.

Azerbaijan’s first rehearsal – Eurovision 2024. Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU 

 

Below you can also watch a short video from the rehearsal uploaded on TikTok

@eurovision Glittering graphics and powerhouse vocals, @Fahree feat. @İlkinDövlətov have got rehearsals in hand #Eurovision2024 ♬ original sound – Eurovision

The second rehearsal of Azerbaijan is going to take place on Wednesday 1st of May and we are going to have a better picture of the stage performance.

Source: eurovision.tv

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates around the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest!

Follow us on all our social media, so that you’ll not lose a thing of what’s happening Eurovision:

Azerbaijan: Watch the music video of “Özünlə Apar”!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

While the Azerbaijani delegation departed today for Malmö, having its first technical rehearsal scheduled for tomorrow, the music video of “Özünlə Apar” was just released on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

Previously, a showcase performance was uploaded on Eurovision’s YouTube channel.

Fahree ft. Ilkin Dovlatov will represent Azerbaijan in Eurovision 2024, having been chosen internally by ITV. The duo will perform twelfth in the first semi-final on May 7. Their first rehearsal will take place tomorrow.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what is happening in Malmö:

On Facebook

On Twitter

On Instagram

On TikTok

On YouTube

On Spotify

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Azerbaijani participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

Eurovision 2024: The schedule of the second day of rehearsals (Sunday 28 April)!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by

With the Malmö Arena opening its gates yesterday for the rehearsals of the 37 participating countries, the action continues today with the remaining countries of the first semi-final taking to the stage for the first time.

With no major changes expected this year, the rehearsals for Eurovision 2024 are expected to take place in the upcoming week. Rehearsals are divided into two phases, the first which will run for four days from today until Tuesday 30/04 and will include the initial first rehearsals of all countries taking part in the two semi-finals of the contest and the second which will run from Wednesday 01/05 until Saturday 04/05 and will include the second rehearsals of the countries in the two semi-finals as well as both rehearsals of the countries competing directly in the Final, namely the Big 5 and the host Sweden.

Last year’s changes in the way the rehearsals are covered are maintained this year, as the Press Centre opens on the Monday after the first and second rehearsals.

As a consequence, the information we will have for the first week of the contest will come exclusively from the material provided by the EBU to accredited journalists, as well as through the Live Blogs on Reddit and the short videos on TikTok.

Today’s Schedule

Eight countries are set to take to the stage at Malmö Arena for their first rehearsal, with Iceland and Hera Björk “kicking off” on Saturday morning. The detailed schedule for the second day of rehearsals of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest is as follows (Mentioned in CET/Swedish Time):

 

Follow us on all social media, so you don’t miss a moment of what’s happening around the Eurovision Song Contest:

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Watch the performances of Malta, Azerbaijan and Switzerland in “A Little Bit More”!

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” aired on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.Advertisement

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload different performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

In today’s videos, you can listen to a live version of Malta’s entry, “Loop” by Sarah Bonnici, as well as the acoustic version of Switzerland’s entry “The Code” by Nemo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ4eI9-4dvk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKyasRqTpAw

You can also listen to a Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov covering an Azeri Folk song, called “Bəri Bax”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuAPtGvWGw0

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

Follow us on our social media, so that you don’t lose anything that will happen in Malmö:

Eurovision 2024: Contestants to perform at the Eurovision Village

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

This year’s Eurovision Village will be situated in Folkets Park in central Malmö from May 4th to May 11th. There will be two stages, one larger for special events, and concerts with Eurovision and guest artists, and a smaller stage for more intimate performances. Several participating acts of Eurovision 2024 will perform at the Euphoria stage on the following dates:

May 4 –  (21:00-22:00)
  • Armenia – Ladaniva
  • Belgium – Mustii
  • Norway – Gåte
  • Portugal – Iolanda
May 7 – (19:00-20:00)
  • Albania – Besa
  • Italy – Angelina Mango
  • Malta – Sarah Bonnici
  • Austria – Kaleen
May 8 – (15:00-16:00)
  • Iceland – Hera Björk
  • Moldova – Natalia Barbu
  • Serbia – Teya Dora
May 9 – (15:00-16:00)
  • Azerbaijan – Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov
  • Finland – Windows95man
  • Lithuania – Silvester Belt
  • Germany – Isaak

Eurovision Village will serve as a dedicated hub for Eurovision enthusiasts and locals also hosting independent cultural events organized by local organizations.

Follow us on all social media, so you don’t miss a moment of what’s happening around the Eurovision Song Contest:

Source: Malmö Stad

Bets: The latest odds before the rehearsals!

/1 Comment/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

We are two days away from the start of the rehearsals in Malmö and that’s why one of Eurovisionfun‘s most loved and talked about columns is back, with the Eurovision 2024 betting analysis back again.

As you prepare for the pivotal days ahead with the climax of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest celebrations, the bookers are already getting down to business, with the Eurovision 2024 winner section already on offer across all bookmakers. So, we’re taking the opportunity to bring you the so far for the next contest.

The five that became four

A battle for four seems to be shaping up in this year’s contest, with Switzerland, Croatia, the Netherlands and Italy having a distinct lead over their pursuers and Ukraine ‘losing ground’ recently after the parties.

More specifically, at the top, now having a clear lead over its competitors, is Switzerland. With two 24 hours to go until the start of rehearsals in the Swedish south, Nemo‘s “The Code” starts from pole-position to win Switzerland‘s coveted third victory in its almost 70-year presence in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland‘s victory is now being bet at odds of between 2.63 and 3.1, becoming the first to break the triple barrier this year.

In second place remains Croatia, who have been firmly established in the top two of the betting tables for the past two months, with their odds remaining largely stable after this year’s pre-parties. Baby Lasagna and “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” will go all the way for a maiden Croatian victory, with bookers offering odds of between 3.25 and 4.6.

The absolute hit on Western and Central European radios, the Netherlands, continues its rally up the betting tables. Joost Klein‘s “Europapa” has made an impression and is sweeping the charts and streams across much of the Old Continent, now bringing the Netherlands into fourth place. We told you long ago through this column about the dynamics of this entry, which was one of the dark horses of this year’s contest. Now in third place and offered at odds of between 4.25 and 5.5, it is anything but a dark horse, with betting companies recognising its potential and moving it up two places.

Fourth, with a slightly downward trend, but within a fairly close distance of the three leading countries, is Italy. Angelina Mango with “La Noia” may have lost one place compared to our last analysis, nevertheless the chances of a second Italian victory in this decade are highly respected. Between 5.75 and 7.5 is offered for Italian victory for those who believe in Angelina Mango‘s potential.

The top five is now completed by Ukraine, who have lost the momentum they had at the beginning of this year’s Eurovision season when they were considered the early favourites to win in Malmö. With the gap between the four leading countries having widened, bookers are offering Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil’s victory at the highest odds we have seen offered during this year’s Eurovision season. Ukraine‘s fourth win in the Eurovision Song Contest is currently being bet at odds of between 8.5 and 17.

Top 10

With the countries in the Top 5 having stood out in comparison to those below them in the betting tables, let’s take a look at the rest of the top ten. In sixth place, France has quietly risen to sixth, and has consistently remained in or on the fringes of the top ten for most of this Eurovision season. Up to 21 times the stakes are returned by “Mon Amour” and Slimane, with France gaining one place in the last few days.

Among the gainers in recent weeks is Israel, which has moved up to seventh place. Eden Golan and “Hurricane” have gained four places in the last period, steadily gaining momentum as evidenced by the reactions she is garnering on social media on the official Eurovision account. Israel’s victory is offered at odds between 21 and 36.

Greece is still in eighth place. The “tailwind” after the release of Marina Satti‘s “ZARI” brought our country inside the Top 10, with Greece now stabilizing within it and having a safety margin over its pursuers.

Marina Satti‘s win is currently being played at odds between 21 and 41, slightly higher compared to our last analysis, with bookers, however, giving a vote of confidence to the Greek entry.

The big winner in recent weeks has clearly been Ireland, who have now moved up to ninth place, being five places higher compared to our last analysis. Up to 51 times the stake is returned on Ireland’s win with Bambie Thug‘s “Doomsday Blue“.

Rounding out the top ten is Belgium, who have been the disappointment so far this Eurovision season. Mustii‘s pre-party performances with his mildly unacceptable rendition of “Before the Party’s Over” has brought Belgium into tenth place, showing a drop of four places compared to our last analysis. Belgium’s victory is currently being bet on odds between 26 and 67.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg

Will Switzerland achieve its third victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with Nemo’s “The Code”? Tell us in the comments!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Listen to the OKtava version of “Özünlə Apar” by FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov, in “A Little Bit More”!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” aired on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload different performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

In the video below, you can listen to the OKtava version of Azerbaijan’s entry, “Özünlə Apar” performed by Fahree feat. Ilkin Dovlatov:

You can also watch the Eurovisionfun team reacting and commenting to the Azeri entry in Eurovision 2024:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Azeri participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

OGAE Poll 2024: The results from Azerbaijan and Czechia!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

For every year since 2007, OGAE International conducts the OGAE Poll, which includes the votes of its members from 42 different countries. After fourteen countries have voted, it is now Azerbaijan’s and Czechia’s turn to cast their votes.

In detail, the 12 members of OGAE Azerbaijan voted as following:

  • 12 points to Belgium
  • 10 points to Switzerland
  • 8 points to the United Kingdom
  • 7 points to Italy
  • 6 points to Croatia
  • 5 points to Norway
  • 4 points to Israel
  • 3 points to Lithuania
  • 2 points to Sweden
  • 1 point to Greece

Respectively, the 12 members of OGAE Czechia voted as following:

  • 12 points to Croatia
  • 10 points to Italy
  • 8 points to Switzerland
  • 7 points to Sweden
  • 6 points to Austria
  • 5 points to Belgium
  • 4 points to Ukraine
  • 3 points to Norway
  • 2 points to Israel
  • 1 point to Lithuania

The results following the votes of sixteen member clubs are the following:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Azerbaijan: Aysel announced as the spokesperson for Eurovision 2024!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Ictimai Television has announced that Aysel will serve as the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani votes in Eurovision 2024. Aysel is no stranger to the Eurovision community, as she has previously represented Azerbaijan in Eurovision 2009 along with Arash with their song “Always“, finishing third overall.

In fact, Aysel was also a member of the jury which decided the Azerbaijani representative this year in ITV’s internal selection process.

So far, the following countries have unveiled their spokesperson for Eurovision 2024:

  • Georgia – Sopho Khalvashi
  • Belgium – Livia Dushkoff
  • Switzerland – Jennifer Bosshard
  • Azerbaijan – Aysel

Azerbaijan is represented this year by Fahree and Ilkin Dovletov and will perform in the first semi-final on May 7.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Eurovision 2024: More “flexibility” for the producers to determine the Grand Final running order!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest introduces a significant change in how the Grand Final running order is determined. Artists now have more options, with a new category introduced to give producers greater flexibility in shaping the lineup.

In March, it was announced that Malmö would see some major changes to enhance the Eurovision Song Contest‘s excitement. Following the revelation that the “Big 5” would perform their songs in full during the Semi-Finals and that fans could start voting as soon as the first artist hits the stage in the Grand Final, another significant change has emerged!

In recent years, qualifying countries from the Semi-Finals and the Big 5 have randomly selected which half of the Grand Final they will perform in. Subsequently, the show’s producers decided where within the First Half (songs 1 to 13) or Second Half (songs 14 to 26) of the Grand Final those acts would perform.

This year, a new category called “Producer’s Choice” will be introduced.

Host broadcaster SVT revealed that 25 of the 26 artists in the Grand Final (Sweden already has position 1) will have the option to choose First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice through a random draw.

If an artist selects Producer’s Choice, the show producers will have the discretion to place that song anywhere in either the First or Second Half of the running order.

This change means there will be 6 slots available to pick in the First Half of the running order, 6 slots in the Second Half, and 13 Producer’s Choice slots.

The purpose of this change is to provide producers with more opportunities to ensure all songs in the Grand Final stand out and to create the most dynamic running order possible.

Christer Björkman, this year’s Contest Producer, elaborated on the rationale behind the change:

“It’s all about creating the best TV show possible and giving all artists a chance to shine. Adding the flexibility of Producer’s Choice allows me to create an even better flow of different tempos and an even more thrilling Grand Final.”

The Big 5 will select either First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice after their second Rehearsal on Saturday, May 4, live during a Reddit AMA. Then, each of the 10 qualifiers from the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 7, will draw one of those three options live on the Official Eurovision Song Contest TikTok channel immediately after the show.

The 10 qualifying artists from the Second Semi-Final will draw from the remaining options live on TikTok after the show ends on Thursday, May 9.

Once all 25 options are chosen, producers will compile the running order for the Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Friday, May 10. It will then be revealed on the Contest’s website and social media channels.

The last time such a change to the running order was made was also in Malmö, in 2013.

Before 2013, the running order of the Grand Final was determined via a random draw. However, in 2013, host broadcaster SVT initiated a change to create a more entertaining evening of television for viewers. This format has remained in place every year since, with the introduction of the Producer’s Choice element in 2024 being the first major change in over a decade.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments!

Source: Eurovision.tv