According to Karimli, iTV takes Europe's favourite TV-show very seriously and have taken steps to demonstrate that.
"To show that we attach great importance to the Eurovision Song Contest, we have decided to hold a grand semi-final." he said. "The jury will again select the nominee, there will be no televoting or internet poll. There are no commercial interests, our only aim is to select a decent singer to represent Azerbaijan."
Candidates for their national selection are Safura Alizadeh, Maryam Shabanova, Milk & Kisses, Azad Shabanov, Elli and Ulviyya Rahimova.
Three of the six candidates will be qualified for the final from the semi-final. The latter will be held in Buta Palace of Baku on the 2nd of February.
The jury will announce the finalists after the performances by the candidates and guests. One of them will then win the right to represent Azerbaijan in Oslo in May.
Last year, at the 54th Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, the Azerbaijani representatives, Aysel and Arash, finished third with their song Always.
