Diving into Eurovision headfirst with Azerbaijan’s Nadir Rustamli

A chance like that may be an unimaginable begin to any musical profession, however Nadir discovered himself working with a mentor who had further perception into the Eurovision world: Eldar Gasimov. The sense of mutual respect between them carried Nadir to a win this January, and to the worldwide stage right here in Turin. When requested what it was about Nadir that precipitated Eldar to pick out him, the 2011 Eurovision champion mentioned:

I felt one thing that I couldn’t hear from anybody else, and I used to be afraid that he wouldn’t select me. I used to be the fortunate one!

Following Nadir’s win on Səs Azərbaycan, the thought of Eurovision wasn’t too removed from his thoughts, however he was nonetheless genuinely shocked when he was knowledgeable on stay tv that he could be representing his house nation on the Contest. Happily, he was on board with the thought.

I hoped that at some point I’d characterize Azerbaijan, and after my win on The Voice, lots of people have been speaking and commenting with my title. I hoped it will occur this 12 months, however they shocked me with the information on the morning tv present! No person knew what my response could be, in order that was fairly dangerous!

After being supplied plenty of demos, it was the dramatic Fade to Black that resonated with him, even over the rock songs that he anticipated to gravitate in direction of. Fade to Black is an emotional ballad that offers with the theme of overcoming adversity head-on. That carries over into the staging right here in Turin, which contains Nadir and a dancer, the embodiment of his negativity, in synchronised motion on a set of stairs earlier than a climactic face-off.

The staircase represents stepping away from the previous and shifting ahead. On the finish of the staircase, I face my fears, insecurities, and all the darkish ideas I’ve been via. Then I battle via them, and win. It’s a stupendous track with good power.

📺 Watch: Nadir Rustamli – Fade to Black – Unique Rehearsal Clip

The music business isn’t the primary place the place Nadir has needed to come face-to-face with competitors, worry, or distraction. As a youngster, he was a aggressive swimmer, an expertise that knowledgeable his later forays into musical competitors and significantly Eurovision.

I’ve discovered to hearken to silence, and disconnect from every part. It’s the identical feeling as being underwater. Irrespective of how loud every part round me is, once I’m underwater, I’m not listening to something. I can simply tune out, focus, and do what I’ve to do.

Nadir has a terrific useful resource in Eldar, who’s been via the great circus of Eurovision earlier than. When requested what recommendation he’s gotten from his mentor, Nadir mentioned:

Take pleasure in each second that you just’re right here, as a result of it’s one thing totally different. It’s actually extra about friendship and a celebration of music. Don’t take into consideration placements or numbers…simply give attention to the music, do your greatest, and entertain folks.

Let’s simply be certain to maintain Nadir out of the stage’s fountain, and he must be advantageous. Make sure you watch Fade to Black on the Second Semi Last of the 2022 Eurovision Music Contest on Thursday 12 Could.

📺 Watch: All 40 Songs of the 2022 Eurovision Music Contest

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