Azerbaijan’s broadcaster Ictimai TV announced today that TuralTuranX will represent the Caucasus nation at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
The twin brothers, hailing from the northwestern town of Zaqatala, will perform their own composition “Tell Me More” at the contest. This is the first time since Azerbaijan’s debut at Eurovision 2008 that Azerbaijan will have a locally penned track.
TuralTuranX, the stylized group name of twin brothers Tural Bagmanovlar and Turan Bagmanovlar, typically play in a rock or indie-rock style, and were one of five finalists alongside Azer Nasibov, Humay Aslanova and Amrah Musayev, Leyla Izzatova, and Mamagama.
In February 2023, Azerbaijan’s Head of Delegation Vasif Mammadov had to fight off allegations by singer Rauf Kingsley that Mamagama were a shoo-in due to links to Eldar Gasimov, the Azerbaijani Eurovision 2011 co-winner who is working with this year’s delegation.
“Tell Me More” will be released shortly.
Though Azerbaijan got their Eurovision appearances off to a flying start, including victory at Eurovision 2011 with Ell & Nikki’s “Running Scared,” the nation has been more of a mid-table finisher since Farid Mammadov’s “Hold Me” came in second at Eurovision 2013.
Since 2014, Chingiz’s 8th placed “Truth” at Eurovision 2019 is their highest finish, a streak that included a non-qualification with Aisel’s “X My Heart” narrowly failing at Eurovision 2018.
For Eurovision 2023, Azerbaijan will perform in the second half of Semi-Final 1 on May 9, 2023.
What do #YOU think of Azerbaijan’s selection of TuralTuranX? Do #YOU think they should have gone with one of the other four acts instead, or do you think the twins can qualify for the Grand Final? Let us know in the comments below, on social media, or in our forum.
