- Title: AZERBAIJAN: Eurovision 2012 host country chooses its voice to "Light fire!"
- Date: 13th February 2012
- Summary: PRESENTERS ANNOUNCE THE NATIONAL EUROVISION FINAL START AUDIENCE
- Embargoed: 28th February 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan
- Country: Azerbaijan
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVAC7FX8SAAZ85QM3S2AGPISZKF5
- Story Text: Azerbaijan, Eurovision 2012 host country, chose Sabina Babayeva as its representative at the song contest to be held in May in Baku.
Oil-rich Azerbaijan and a host country of this year's Eurovision Song Contest chose its favourite voice among five contestants in a spectacular live show on Sunday night (February 12) in the capital Baku.
The stage blazed in fire as contestants performed national and other songs, symbolising both the country and the Baku 2012 Eurovision slogan - "Light your fire!"
The contestants went through a long and stirring process of various competitions before they presented their talents and skills to a professional jury at a National Final broadcasted by the Host Broadcaster, Ictimai TV.
At the final the contestants had to perform songs of different genres though the song would be chosen in a later vote internally by the host broadcaster.
Sabina Babayeva, 33, well known in the country as a jazz performer won the hearts of the jury and would represent her country at Baku 2012 contest.
Babayeva could hardly control her emotions when she heard the announcement.
Ell and Nikki, whose entry Running Scared won Azerbaijan the right to host the contest in 2012, congratulated the winner and performed one of their popular songs with Sabina Babayeva on stage.
The 2012 Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 22, 24 and 26th in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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