As somebody with Armenian roots and an extensive Armenian family, I feel a certain loyalty to this small, landlocked nation. For a while, I was quite proud of the country’s success—Inga and Anush worked it! However, once Emmy happened, the dreams of an Armenian victory began to fade away. I, however, am determined to see Eurovision go to Erevan (or Yerevan, depends on your spelling preferences).
1) National Selections
Armenia needs to revamp its national selections. Let artists submit their entries and compete publicly. Obviously, this “pick an artist internally then pick a song publicly” model has not worked recently. Of course, Gor and Emmy did not offer much…
2) Get the Diaspora Involved
Armenians have a lot of relatives in Western European countries and in the US with a lot of money. Imagine if the Kardashians decided to spend their money on a Eurovision entry rather than on overpriced yoga pants. The Dorians could update their wardrobe and Eva Rivas could have gotten twenty trees! Also, we can fund the stadium. Well, Kirk Krikorian can.
3) Make Nice with Azerbaijan
Armenia and Azerbaijan have had numerous cat fights during Eurovision. Whether it was because Baku hosted in 2012, or about Nagorno-Karabakh, it got so bad Eurovision had to disable comments on the Armenian and Azeri entries (although, quite frankly, there are nationalistic comments everywhere). If Armenia can rise up and forget its problems with the Land of Fire, imagine how much more friendly that country seems!
4) Don’t Send Sirusho
I know that this will give me very angry comments. However, it is very hard for a Eurovision artist to return to the contest and get an equally good (or even better) result. Yes, Dima did it. But what about Charlotte Perrelli, Carola, and others? Though Sirusho had a great entry with some great dancing, it’s time for Armenia to spice it up! Armenian Spice Girls, anyone?
5) Wait for another Eastern European country to win
Analyzing the past 13 years in Eurovision, it is apparent that there have been phases when countries won. 1999-2002, countries surrounding the Baltic sea have won, 2003-2005, non-Western countries have won, 2007-2008 former Communist nations have won (and in 2009 a contestant from a former Soviet republic won), and 2009-2010 Western European countries have won. And let’s not forget the fact that in 2012 and 2013 Scandinavian countries have won. Armenia has to wait for the golden opportunity. Maybe if Georgia wins!
What are your thoughts on Armenia in the ESC? Tell us in the comments!
Francheska contributed this report from the United States. Follow her on Twitter at @FranRants. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip by liking our Facebook page.
Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)
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I think Armenia needs to fire its head of delegation first, Gohar Gasparyan. It’s interesting how under Diana Armenian achieved 4 consecutive top 10 positions and as soon as Gohar took on the job, Armenia has been failing. With that said, Armenia has some great artists. I would love to see:
1) Tamar Kaprelian
2) Lilit Hovannisyan
3) System of a Down haha!
HATEEEEEE!!!!
armenia needs to send something more “western” this time… most of their entries are wrapped in eastern style which might not appeal to the western europeans. just my two cents.
Boy contributors to this blog really love analysing. There is no magic formula, just a song and a performance that attracts enough votes.
Azerbaijan will never stop being bitter about Armenia. It is one of the ways for the government there to stay in power – every dictatorship needs enemies.
Armenia does not have many good song …
I don’t think number 3 will happen any time soon.
Also, let me correct one thing. Carola was already a returning artist in 1991. She’d participated in 1983 and ended 3rd. She won in 1991. So did Linda Martin. She’d participated in 1984 and won in 1992. Johnny Logan won both times he participated as a singer. Therefore, there is still a possibility that a returning artist can win. That’s not Sirusho though. She would have lost lots of points if the juries had been re-implemented in 2008.
With all due respect I don’t see anything exceptional that Armenia has sent since it entered eurovision and to be honest some of them kitsch such as 2009 and 2011 with makes me ill .. Also their decent results involve a lot of diaspora voting which is one the the big problems with eurovision today ..
Something by DerHova. Pure Armenian gold what that guy produces.
Well, Carola actually did get a better result when she returned to the competition in 1991. Främling ended up 3rd in 1983.
Favourite Armenian entry to date was 2009. Was not a fan of Sirusho (busty girl, breathy singing to a weak Shakira-eque chorus after a 30 second intro…hmm, I don’t get the hype). 2010 was fine, and whilst everyone bashes on 2011, it wasn’t THAT bad.
Also, the bitterness between Azerbaijan and Armenia isn’t exactly something that can be forgotten overnight, and Azerbaijan has the better Turkish diaspora.
Armenia either needs to sticks to what it does best, or go with a complete, modern, refresh.