Azerbaijan starts national round of Eurovision Song Contest 2012

The Azerbaijani Public Television (ITV) has started the first week of the national round for Eurovision Song Contest 2012, Trend Life reports.

72 singers are taking part split in 8 groups of 9. Previous years’ attendants are involved, as well as three US citizens. The show will last 8 weeks and will be seen from Monday to Friday.

Ramin Guliyev, Janana Zeynalova, Orkhan Mirzoyev, Kyanan Gyadimov are taking part for their second time. Anastasia Bedritskata of French-Polish origin, Amil Gojayev, Orkhan Kerimli, Elnara Hasanova (Eka) and the youngest singer aged 16 Semra Ragimli are making their first try.

The rules of selection are the same as last year. The winner will be determined via an SMS vote and the jury. Each group will enter the semifinals. The final will determine the Azerbaijani singer for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.