Azernews.Az

Albania`s Eurovision 2012 singer Rona Nishliu got to know Azerbaijan through Mugham, Azerbaijani national folk music.

``I have been introduced to Azerbaijan through very special and unique form of art, Mugham. I was able to feel the spirit of your city and country through musicians and artists such as Vagif Mustafazadeh and Aziza Mustafazadeh,`` the Albanian singer told the Baku-based Trend news agency.

She noted she has never been to Baku and is fortunate to visit the city.

Nishliu said this contest will definitely bring her joy and happiness and she is very excited to visit Azerbaijan.

``I am happy and honored to represent my country,`` Nishliu said.

She preferred to keep her performance and the scenic image secret until due time.

The singer said the preparation for the song contest is a process she is fully dedicated to and that she is enjoying each phase and giving her energy with a full passion and love.

Nishliu stressed she will do her best to deliver a dignified performance.

``I consider this my responsibility and duty, which I will accomplish with passion and love,`` she said. ``My motto of the stage performance is to sing as if it were the last performance in my life. As such, I will give my best to share with the public the truthful voice of my inner soul.``

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall, which is under construction near the National Flag Square. The facility has 23,000 seats, and another 16,000 viewers will be able to watch the semifinals and the final on large monitors.

The Eurovision 2012 semi-finals will be held on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26.

Azerbaijan won the right to host the prestigious European song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell/Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Eurovision has a rich tradition and heritage, dating back to 1956. It is one of the few truly pan-European television programs transmitted live via the Eurovision satellite network, in prime time on free-to-air television, as well as online. The three shows attract a total of over 100 million viewers throughout Europe and beyond.