Barev evropa ! In our longstanding tradition of country profiles, we shall continue with the land of Yerevan, Apricot, Kardashians, Sirusho, and Kirk Krikorian– Armenia! Armenia has participated in Eurovision Song Contest since 2006, making it the first country from the Caucasus to join Eurovision. They haven’t sealed a victory yet but in these 8 years Armenian entries have placed in the TOP 10 six times. Armenia’s most successful entries are Sirusho’s ‘Qele Qele’ from 2008 & Aram Mp3’s ‘Not Alone’ from 2014. They both finished in fourth place and their radically different sounds reflect the variety Yerevan has fielded. In 2012 Armenia withdrew from the contest due to security concerns and forgetting the (not-so-popular) 2013 song, they returned with a real bang in 2014!
Recent History:
2014- Aram MP3 with “Not Alone“, 4th place with 174 points
2013- the Dorians with “Lonely Planet“, 18th place with 41 points
2011- Emmy with “Boom Boom“, Failed to qualify (12th place with 54 points)
2010- Eva Rivas with “Apricot Stone“, 7th place with 144 points
2009- Inga and Anush with “Jan Jan“, 10th place with 92 points
2008- Sirusho with “Qele Qele“, 4th place with 199 points
Song Stats:
1. How many times did Aram MP3 say the word “Alone”? – Shockingly, only 10. It felt like 100.
2. How many sets of “douze points” did Armenia receive since their debut in 2006? 19 in the finals (8 of which went to Sirusho alone!), 19 in the semi-finals.
3. How many times have Armenia placed in the top 10 during their ESC career? 6 times, out of 9 attempts. Pretty snazzy.
Best Scoring Entry:
2008 – Sirusho with ‘Qele Qele’, 4th Place in the Grand Final with 199 Points
The 21 year old singer entered the stage of Belgrade with three dancers & two backing vocalists. In these three minutes of her performance she invited everyone to dance & sing with her “Qele Qele”. She came fourth place with 199 points: the best score in Armenian history at the Contest. Girl werked it on stage. In 2014 Aram Mp3’s “Not Alone” got the same placing but a lower score with 174 points. She was seriously fierce but unfortunately was up against strong diva competition from Kalomira and Ani Lorak. Even more unfortunately the divas cancelled each other out and enabled Dima Bilan to win (#sadface).
Memorable lyrics: Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qele, qele! Qe-le/Time is here tonight,/You should make it right,
/To end our fight just hold me tight!
Worst Scoring Entry:
2011- Emmy with “Boom Boom”, DNQ, 12th Place in the Semi-Final with 54 Points
When Emmy sang “Boom Boom chacka chacka” Europe collectively went “boom shakalak-aaaaaaaaaah” in terror. A country with a five-year streak of top 10 songs finally fell, and rather spectacularly. A nonsensical love song that was more cheesier than a bowl of fondue was somehow chosen. The song was so terrible that you jump to identify it as a joke entry, but then you realize: it’s actually a serious entry. This song was probably found on a sale rack at the Goodwill store, along with those poorly fitting costumes (I cannot dignify them by calling them “outfits”).
Memorable lyrics: The whole thing. It’s atrociously memorable.
Team Wiwi Says:
Wiwi: Underestimate Armenia at your peril! This small nation pulls out big surprises, and rarely fails to bring something F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. I let out a massive WTF when Angelina Jolie look-a-like Eva Rivas brought flames and an oversized apricot stone to Oslo. And the next year my jaw dropped again when Emmy, who is seriously underrated, danced in front of a bejewelled boxing glove. What a knockout! Armenia: “I wanna say one thing is true: I’m in love with you!”
Francheska: Inga and Anush are by far the best. They have mastered the art of performing and had such a wonderful song that was ethnic yet modern without sacrificing elements of either. Their placing 10th in 2009 is an abomination, but 2009 was a very competitive year. I have full confidence that in any other year, they would have made the top 5. Breaking apart from wonderful memories of “Jan Jan” and all of those sequins, Armenia has had a remarkable track record.
The one Armenian Eurovision act I would have to say that needed a massive overhaul was Emmy. How the mighty have fallen. The humility of being the first singer to break such a wonderful 5-year streak is one thing, but then not to qualify is another blow. The kitschy performance should be banned for being indecently terrible.
Sopon: I don’t really love Armenian entries: they are just middle-of-the-road to me…with the exception of Inga and Anush. It’s different from the normal pop, I love the ethnic sound, and it shows off so much national culture. It really shows how the original purpose of Eurovision, bringing semi-ethnic and cultural music from each country, can still resonate in new countries. The Dorians are their weakest effort, in my opinion. They belong back in the garage, not on the Eurovision stage.
Deban: Armenia deserves recognition particularly for their 2010 entry, Apricot Stone, by Eva Rivas. Perhaps one of the most important entries in the 60 year history of the contest, “Apricot Stone” chronicles a country’s turbulent history, using the fruit as a metaphor. She managed to avoid EBU censorship, engage 170 million global viewers and plug her national identity at the same time.
So what do you all think? Did the Dorians rock your lonely planet? Do you wanna shake your head with Sirusho to ‘Qele Qele’? Comments below peeps!
Seems like Magomet Mago and “Carl” of “USA” are actually bitter Azeris spewing their hatred on anything Armenia-related.
Since when Armenians are Caucasians or they are from Caucasus? They originally come from Iraq, the so-called Kurdistan, Syria and they shouldn’t be here in Caucasus any more. Caucasian nations are industrious and honest but not Armenians. That’s right Ruskiye should take them to themselves to Siberia.
@Daren,You so so stupid maybe Moron!!!I absolutely know you,You are a person who doesn’t want to accept the truth and believes Fake things!!!hahahah
I think armenians can be proud of their entries on ESC,because they don’t buy songs from foreign countries,and they sent to Eurovision many beautiful songs,I love Armenia so much,Hugs and kisses from Brother country Greece,ORTHODOX BROTHERS FOREVER ,Armenia and Greece <3
@CarlofUSA
How dare you call me stupid! You dont even know me!
Your an ignorant fool!
Go back to the crapper you so obviously crawled out of!
@Leon,I don’t agree with you because Spain and Italy bought songs from Sweden but their choise and singers are not good enuogh!!!!One thing another that Azeri juries choose 1 song from a lot of songs and I think they have amazing Music taste….Along The Forum,On many forums about Azerbaijan,Many People blames Azerbaijan However it is not true
@CarlofUSA – The rebuttal I was trying to get across was that Azerbaijan cannot say “this country copied us or that country copied us” because they don’t produce any of it. They cannot have any claims for it. As for other countries doing worse than Azerbaijan despite the fact that they bought songs from other countries, sure, but let’s not forget that Eurovision is not just about the artist or about the song, it’s also about the PR – something that Azerbaijan spends a lot of money on unlike the countries you had mentioned. Also, I agree with @Darren this… Read more »
@Darren,U are so and so fool…Smartphones are more clever than you!!you believe fake video which about Azeris buy votes from Lithuania.but this video is fake or created by Armenians!!!!If Azerbaijan buys votes,Why your “democratic” Europe takes bribe??then you will understand that it is impossible to buy votes!!
@Carl USA
Your so wrong 😛 and I dont hate Azerbaijan, I just hate how they qualify ALL the time along with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus regardless of the song they pick.
And yes, they did buy votes it was a proven fact! It was so funny how the year after they were caught buying votes, they score their lowest ever placing.
And besides, this topic was about Armenia, it was you who mentioned Azerbaijan.
@Darren,Yes I will never convince you because you are not right….you don’t want accept truth and it is not my fault…Why Everyone here hates Azerbaijan?I don’t understand.If Azerbaijan buys votes why Dilara became 22nd and why Armenian girl from Moscow also voted for Farid Mammadov because Dilara’s entry was weak but Farid’s entry was amazing that’s why he became 2nd…also Sabina Babayeva
@CarlofUSA
You will never just accept and you will not convince me, so lets leave it there
@Darren,romania 2008 is romantic ballad too but there are not any similarities between Romania 2008 and Azerbaijan 2011 in their performances and action!!! So Don’t talk!!!but Georgia 2013 is absolutely copied from ELL&N?KK?’s performance!!!that’s why accept it and go my friend
@Carl of USA
Just give up now, you sound like such a dumb ass.
IN FACT! if your going to talk about plagiarism, Azerbaijan 2011 clearly copied Romania 2008.
Azerbaijan doesn’t have the copyright for “romantic ballad duet” so get over yourself!
@Leon Kro,you can’t give a s*** what’s happening between Azerbaijan and Armenia because this is their problem and you don’t have right….Azerbaijan buys Swedish songs yes ok but Spain(2012),Italy(2012) and Russia(2013) also bought their songs from Sweden but they managed 10th,9th and 5th places…because their singers were weak……But Azeri singers had powerful voice….50 %of Luck belongs to Singer and 50% for song,Understand?
@Darren,I am Mountain Jew and I live in USA not Azerbaijan….Open your eyes and watch again Georgia 2013….I Don’t mean Duet I mean Nado and Sopia’s actions and performances all from Ell&Nikki….2 singers in the duet was from Romania 2010 2014 but it wasn’t romantic but Georgia 2013 is absolutely plagiat from Azerbaijan….Understand Kro?
@CarlofUSA – Listen dude/girl, I don’t give a s*** what’s happening between Armenia and Azerbaijan and all the hate…none of my business. But here is an eye opener for you – No country can possibly copy Azerbaijan because Azerbaijan doesn’t produce songs in order for it to be copied. Let me elaborate, Azerbaijan buys its songs every year from Western Europe (i.e. Sweden and Greece), so how can you copy a “country’s music” when you’re not the one producing it? In a similar fashion, no country can copy Azerbaijan’s acts, because Azerbaijan doesn’t put acts together. All of your back… Read more »
@CarlofUSA
You need to step outside your precious Azerbaijan and see that the world does not revolve around Azerbaijan and until 2008 most people actually never even heard of it.
I do not see any comparisons between Georgia 2013 and Azerbaijan 2011, except that they were both crap.
Just because 2 singers duet on a ballad does not mean they are copying Azerbaijan, it happened before 2011 and it will happen in the future.
You need to open your mind to the great big world outside of the Azerbaijani border my friend.
@Daren,Kro Moron, Watch Georgia 2013….Plagiarism from Ell&Nikki’s actions……yes,there were duets before Ell&Nikki but Georgia chose romantic duet-Nado and sophia’s actions were absolutely from Ell&Nikki…….and you accept that Moldova copied Azerbaijan….it’s good….If Azerbaijan buys votes,Why Dilara became 22nd,I AGREE Dilara’s entry was weak but you Kro can not blame other Azeri entries especially Sabina……because her voice was amazing….Becase of Azeri Mugham roots….Music are in Azeri’s blood..
@CarlofUSA
Your an idiot!
Nobody copies Azerbaijan, duets had happened on Eurovision way before Ell and Nikki won with that hideous song that nobody remembers now.
As for Moldova copying Sabina, maybe they did…but the dress prop only covered up what hideous songs they were.
So dont try and make out Azerbaijan is perfect in ESC. You buy your damn votes! …Bloody idiot!
Sirusho’s song was great, she’s hot (much sexier than Ani or Kalomira, and I’ve lived in Greece for the past 20 years!!) but her vocals were disappointing. With a bit better performance she could have come 2nd (worldwide known violin and skating guys performing next to your singer would win any side) that year. Bad luck, hope to see her again in future contest!!
3 MONTHS ON, I AM STILL REELING THAT ARMENIA DID NOT WIN THIS YEAR IN COPENHAGEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really think that Armenia has the potential to choke up a win fairly soon. But not before Hungary, Ireland, Romania or the Netherlands win first though.
@Leon what the hell are you talking about?Right Word burns off!!
@Darren you so stupid!!!you talks about Dilara but I talk about Sabina that managed 4th place for her powerfull voice,great performance!!!I just say it:Everything is clear,Every countries want to copy Azeri entries!!for examp:Moldova copied Sabina Babayeva in2013,Georgia copied Ell&Nikki in 2013!!!!EVERYTH?NG IS CLEAR!!!
Not Alone is of course my favourite. Beautiful song with very meaningful lyrics and Aram’s wonderful voice. Although i’m glad that Conchita won, Armenia would’ve been a great winner.
@Sabina
Oh yeah I was sorry 😛
haha my mistake
I did like Dilara though but she should have had a better song, bus a person she was beautiful.
@Carl of USA. First of all it’s Caucasus and I wouldn’t make a statement like that. That just makes you look dumb. Seriously.
I love Qele Qele! It is amazing even though I didn’t actually start watching Eurovision until 2009 but I watch them on youtube! 🙂
I like Qele Qele and Apricot Stone the best. Not Alone is quite good and Boom Boom is kinda cool. Didn’t really like Lonely Planet
@Darren- Sabrina Babayeba came 4th too… You’re thinking of Dilara
Jan Jan and Not Alone were the best entries. Jan Jan was very interesting musically, and I’ve been happy to get to know some other songs by Inga and Anush as well. Not Alone is a beautifully written ballad with some awesome live vocals (and some not so great, at least at the start of the song). Boom Boom was much better before they revamped the song. If you listen to the recording on the official ESC soundtrack, at one point Emmy sings a B at the same time as a B flat plays in the background – this is… Read more »
@CarlofUSA
Your not really of the USA are you? haha
But Sabina only managed 22nd place in the final whereas Armenia managed 4th. So your theory is kind of wrong 🙂 facts are facts!
Azerbaijani contestants(Sabina Babayeva,Safura) are the best Eurovision singers in Caucases….I think any armenian contestants could not sing When The Music Dies like Sabina….She has powerful voice
Jan Jan & Not Alone are my Armenian favourites.
Not alone is by far the best. Aram is super talented, and great song.
Dorians last year also one of my favorites from Armenia.
2011 wasnt something I liked sorry
2010 apricot Stone, very great song. Also one of my fav.
2009 great song
2008 my second After not alone. Sirusho is very talented and great song. But I’m very happy russia won that year.
2007 I can’t remember who they had this year :p
2006 great debut. Great song really.
Oh and a small correction. Armenia has taken part 8 times. They withdrew in 2012.
OK. OMG. I love Armenia! I always say Armenia is the Sweden of Caucasus. They are the only country in the Caucasus that have used their own producers to come up with their entries. I think both in 2008 and 2014 Armenia deserved to win. Here are my comments: 2008 – Sirusho was amazing; Qele-Qele must be one of the catchiest eurovision tunes. It definitely deserved to be in the top 3. 10/10 2014 – Aram MP3 I think we can all agree that Not Alone was a musical masterpiece. I’m surprised I haven’t heard the instrumental version of it… Read more »
Aram’s entry was so boring..
Personally, Dorian’s “Lonely Planet” is lovable. I listened to its lyrics and that really cheered me up, thinking that there will be people who will simply support and save you. I am uncertain way before that it will be the crowd’s favorite or not because… you know Eurovision… plenty of rock songs aren’t that much favorable. I really treasure this kind of song and this should be worthy of attention.
Actually they had this year’s victory in the bag, if it wasn’t for Aram MP3’s very precious mouth!!! It surely is them to lose this year…..and they did!!! Thanks to Aram MP3 of course and his snotty Conchita comments!!!
Anytime You Need by Hayko is my favorite (a sucker for ballads) albeit the weird outfit worn by the backup singers. Were they supposed to be indians or? But I love that song to bits. I´m always excited for hearing the entries from Armenia. There is just something about that country that I find fascinating. The culture, the sound and the people. But I agree that poor Emmy was a disaster, and I´m afraid that The Dorians didn´t sweep me off my feet. Sorry. And FYI, Shirusho could take Kalomira in a fight any day of the week. That boob… Read more »
Armenia has my favorite entries ever (by far), because even though they are a small country, they have great artists, a huge variety of styles and ideas that blow my mind almost every year. I have to admit that until this day I listen to Sirusho, Eva Rivas and Arammp3…hope one day they win (soon please)…
1. Dorians – “Lonely Planet” (2013) My FAVROITE! They’re like an Armenian Bon Jovi 🙂
2. Eva Rivas – “Apricot Stone” (2010) Really great ethnic song!
3. Emmy – “Boom Boom” (2011) A really good dance track.
4. Inga & Anush – “Jan Jan” (2009) Good ethnic/danceable song.
5. Sirusho – “Qele Qele” (2008) Too… repetitive.
6. Hayko – “Anytime You Need” (2007) Nah.
7. Andre – “Without Your Love” (2006) Sounds kinda cheesy.
8. Aram MP3 – “Not Alone” (2014) No. Just NO!
It would be interesting to see a ESC held in Yerevan. Its not a city that you see or hear much of.
But I’m happy with the sudden resurgence of Western Europe in ESC that I don’t want to see an Eastern win for about 5 more years.
As a country at ESC, they have always entered with catchy songs. (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014 where my particular favorites from Armenia) but they never seem to grasp the English language. They have everything in the music..but barely anything in the lyrics. However, Im sure an Armenian victory isn’t far away.
1. Sirusho- Qele,qele: Just fantastic! Always will be one of my favourite dance songs
2. Eva Rivas- Apricot Stone: Really good ethnic song
3. Inga and Anush- Jan Jan: Also a really good ethnic dance track
4. Aram Mp3- Not Alone: Good, but not a big fan
5. Emmy- Boom Boom: Disastrous lyrics, but it’s at least groovy
6. Dorians- Lonely Planet: Ok song
7. Andre- Without Your Love: Dislike it a bit for some reason
8. Hayko- Anytime You Need: Boring to death
One of the best eurovision countries. Love their all entries except Lonly planet
I love Armenia in ESC <3 I actually rooted for Armenia this year if my own country wouldn't win :p My top Armenian entries: 1. Not Alone – true masterpiece, it's such a shame that people don't get the emotions in it, the calm bezinning which changes into a desperate anger which blows me actually away. Awesome entry, one of my favorite ESC songs ever. 2. Apricot Stone – ETHICNESS, GOOD BEAT, I LOVE IT. Was really underrated 🙁 In my top 5 from 2010. 3. Quele Quele – great song, also in my top 3 from 2008 (I liked… Read more »
Some strong entries but one of the top countries for doing well because of block voting and let’s not forget diaspora ..