The Azerbaijani national broadcaster confirms that JIVA’s Eurovision 2026 song “Just Go” is an original creation, dismissing rumors of AI involvement
A wave of rumors recently swept through social media among Eurovision fans, alleging that the Azerbaijani entry for the upcoming contest in Vienna, “Just Go” performed by JIVA, utilized artificial intelligence (AI) during its creation. These speculations originated from discoveries suggesting that several previous works by the songwriter, Fuad Javadov, were indeed developed using AI tools. In response, the Azerbaijani national broadcaster, İctimai, decided to quell the rumors by issuing a detailed statement supporting both the artist and the creator.
Official Clarification on Creative Integrity
The national broadcaster emphasized that the song underwent a rigorous screening process:
“In recent days, questions regarding the creative process of the song have been discussed on social media. We declare that the allegations concerning the use of artificial intelligence do not correspond to reality. The song ‘Just Go’ is an original musical work, created through a professional process based on many years of experience and creative labor. We believe that public discussions should be conducted with mutual respect and an objective approach.”
The national broadcaster also disclosed behind-the-scenes data regarding the 2026 selection process. This year saw a significant increase in the involvement of local creators compared to previous years. A total of 186 songs were submitted for one hundred different candidates, 107 of which were written by Azerbaijani creators and 79 by foreign songwriters. Regarding the selection of the singer, the national broadcaster clarified that the artist, who won “The Voice” Azerbaijan in 2025, was chosen for her “strong live vocal abilities and proven stage experience.”
Strategic Focus on Live Performance and Vocal Stability
The committee’s decision to select the artist was also influenced by changes in voting regulations. Starting this year, professional juries will return to voting during the semi-final stages, making vocal stability a critical factor for participating nations. “Due to the importance of live vocal capabilities, this criterion became a top priority in the selection,” the statement noted.
İctimai added in the statement that criticism, even toward the broadcaster itself, is entirely justified and welcome:
“We are always open to constructive criticism. On a major platform like Eurovision, it is natural for there to be differing opinions. However, we believe that public discussions should be conducted with mutual respect, a healthy exchange of ideas, and an objective approach. JIVA is a talented, hardworking, and worthy artist to represent Azerbaijan on the international stage this year. She earned this opportunity through her professional preparation, the creativity she has developed over the years, and her strong stage presence.”
The full statement:
הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם
Listen to the Azerbaijani song for Eurovision 2026 here:
JIVA – Who Are You?
JIVA, whose real name is Jamila Hashimova, is a prominent Azerbaijani pop singer. She previously performed with the renowned RAST ensemble, taking the stage at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Later, as the lead vocalist of the band Hazz, she masterfully combined elements of jazz with contemporary pop music. Her solo career officially launched in 2017. She currently records pop, dance, and R&B songs in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English.
A Triumphant Path to the European Stage
Her distinguished status in the Azerbaijani music industry was firmly established following her participation in the television program The Voice Azerbaijan, where she captured first place in 2025. Beyond her remarkable local success, she possesses valuable experience within the European competitive sphere. In 2021, she participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest as a backing vocalist, and earlier in 2011, she reached the final trio from which Azerbaijan’s representatives for the competition were ultimately chosen.
Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2026
“Just Go” is the title of the song that will be performed by JIVA, who will represent Azerbaijan in the first half of the second semi-final at Eurovision 2026 on May 14th. The song was written and composed by Fuad Javadov. This marks the first Eurovision participation for both the singer and the songwriter.
The song explores the painful yet necessary process of letting go of a relationship that has become toxic or has simply run its course. The song moves from promises of eternal love to the harsh reality of emotional manipulation and fading trust. The song’s melodic and captivating chorus emphasizes the singer’s determination to break free, as she urges the other person to “just go” and declares she will now shine on her own – erasing their presence from her soul to find healing.
Currently, Azerbaijan is ranked 24th in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Azerbaijan’s 18th participation in Eurovision. Azerbaijan joined the contest in 2008 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2011 when singers Ell and Nikki, won first place with the song “Running Scared”.
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Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
