In the Memorial Day evening, some of ESCKAZ team members have attended Songs in the Square concert, which took place on Rabin Square (the Square that hosted previous Israel Calling event).

The concert featured such artists like Boaz Sharabi, Berry Sakharof, Dudu Tasa, Dikla, Hadag Nachash, Miri Mesika, Moran Mazor, Nasreen Kadari, Narkis, Subliminal, Idan Amdi and Tel Aviv Youth. Between the songs, there were stories of the fallen Israeli soldiers. The event has ended with Israeli anthem. Memorial day is one of the most important days of the year for the Israelis and it was quite an emotional experience to share it with them.

Today also marked release of the very special song: Starring President Rivlin and the singer Boaz Sharabi, more than 20 choirs and singing groups, kindergartens, artistic gymnastic groups and dancers from the dance department of Beit Halohem and others gathered at Beit HaNasi and were the human background, some 500 people, for the song “Halevai” (“If Only”), written by Boaz Sharabi, words by Ehud Manor.

“I love my staging, it's absolutely cool! Obviously, the inspiration behind it is my entry song, ‘Truth'. The idea is that my heart is broken and I need to replace it with a bionic one,” says Chingiz about his Eurovision staging. “Some robot helps me literally get rid of it and forget about my ex. I realize that only accepting the truth and leaving my toxic love behind can heal me.”

With Chingiz alone on stage, unique graphics help the artist tell his dramatic love story. The images are delivered by Front Pictures creative studio, who also created visuals for Jamala’s Eurovision 2016 winning act, put together stunning performances at America’s Got Talent and, most recently, collaborated with P!nk at The BRIT Awards 2019. To create the stage video for Chingiz’s performance, the Azerbaijani delegation worked with GST, a leading Moscow-based production company that produces some of the biggest events in the region.

The stage director for 'Truth' is Mads Enggaard, an experienced Eurovision professional who previously served as Eurovision 2017 viewing room producer and 2019 Danish Melodi Grand Prix contest producer.

“The idea of the "Truth" staging is visually impressive and strikingly bold,” said Azerbaijan’s Head of Delegation, Husniye Maharramova, “Azerbaijan has participated in Eurovision for 11 years, and you have seen a lot of memorable, fiery and even romantic stagings by our delegation. But this is something totally new and emotional from us. I’m really looking forward to seeing how viewers relate to the story on May 16th."

Chingiz’s performance will serve as an anticipated closing act of the Eurovision 2019 semi-finals - 'Truth' is the 18th and final song in the running order of the second semi-final.

Chingiz is alone on stage, he's wearing a short sleeve grey shirt. He's standing in front of a triangle prop with blue neon light. Two robotic arms are scanning him. In the chorus, he walks to the center of the stage. The camera work is very good, there are a lot of effects, including a beating heart video that is screened on his chest and his image ascending at some point. Toward the end of the song, Chingiz gives a Mugham part, which is really beautiful and add some warmth to a rather cold staging.