Baku: Azerbaijani broadcaster ITV has announced that Jiva will represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, set to take place in Vienna this May.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Jiva was chosen following an internal selection process that attracted 100 applications and 186 song submissions. A professional panel evaluated these entries, inviting eighteen candidates for live auditions and interviews. Ultimately, a shortlist of three candidates was formed, with Jiva being selected as the representative by a specially formed focus group. Her song for the contest will be released at a later date.

Jiva, born Jamila Hashimova, embarked on her musical journey in 2003 by securing second place in the Baku Autumn competition. She furthered her career by participating in the Show Time music project in 2007. Over the years, Jiva has collaborated with various musicians and projects, performing with the RAST ensemble under the direction of Rashad Hashimov and appearing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. She later became the lead singer of Hazz Band, where she infused jazz elements with modern pop.

Since 2017, Jiva has concentrated on her solo career, producing music in pop, dance, and R and B genres, and performing in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English. Her significant achievement came in 2025 when she won The Voice of Azerbaijan as part of Roya Aykhan's team. Jiva's ties to the Eurovision Song Contest are longstanding, having reached the top three in Azerbaijan's national selection in 2011.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to be held in Vienna, Austria, with the first semi-final on May 12, the second semi-final on May 14, and the grand final on May 16, 2026.