The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — continues its reviews in Cyprus with Hovig and his catchy song “Stone In A River”. Hovig has released a modern video clip with a lot of cars. Did it rev up our engines? Read on to find out…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1fgPdrA3MA
Deban: Reflective radio-pop that tugs on my heartstrings. I connect with Hovig’s cries, and the lamentations embedded in his message. Do I like this? Yes, I do. Is it right for Eurovision? Perhaps, but it would largely depend on staging and the running order.
Score: 7/10
Judit: Please Cyprus: send him! When I listened to it for the first time my feelings exploded and I almost cried. It’s a painful one, but I love this kind of pain. I can see this on the big stage in Vienna — and with a real chance to make the final.
Score: 9/10
Kristín: Now this is something I can get behind 100%! What a beautiful, strong and emotional song…and Hovig’s voice fits it perfectly. Cyprus has to send this to Vienna — simple as that. This is by far the best song in the Cypriot finals, and it has become one of my favorites of national selection season this year. Hovig to Austria!
Score: 10/10
Robyn: I wasn’t so impressed when I saw Hovig’s semi-final performance. He sang hunched around the microphone, with his eyes shut most of the time, which all added up to an unengaging performance. Yet he has a strong, expressive voice and the song is great, with a soaring chorus. If Hovig can work on his performance technique, this could do great things for Cyprus.
Score: 7/10
William: I’d like to write Hovig’s mom a letter and thank her for giving birth to the one man who is making the Cypriot final a bit more bearable. The song is modern and he knows how to sing it. A serious contender for the title of Eurovision’s Next Top Male Model, Hovig has a stone in a river and a major shot to win in Cyprus!
Score: 7/10
Sami: Wow, I actually enjoyed this! He has a nice and calming voice, the song is emotional and every time I turn it on, I need to listen to the end. I really hope Cyprus sends this to Vienna, as it’s really the only song in the final which could place well. But he still needs to work on the live performance. Also: The lyrics are quite weird.
Score: 8.5/10
Billy: It could be the campaign of a Greek party named “River” as well as the theme song of RIK’s very successful series “Stone River”. Just kidding! I really like the song, its meaningful lyrics and music. I enjoy the message Hovig’s entry transmits. Bring a pair of dancers, and you will lift the song to a whole new level! Nice video by the way!
Score: 9.5/10
Patrick: Hovig is amazing! His live version is even better than the studio version! “Stone in the river” is a touching song, filled with pure emotions and pain. The lyrics are beautiful and he is loved, really loved by the jury! If he wins, I’ll be really happy, like amazingly happy! GO HOVIG!
Score: 10/10
Wiwi Jury Verdict: 8.5/10
It’s a bit dull.
Agreed to Zac.
Great song. Instantly likeable. I think it would do well in Vienna.
I think the fact that he’s Armenian will get him a lot of votes from the Armenian diaspora and Armenia. So, guaranteed final for Hovig.
Definitely the best one to represent Cyprus in Eurovision. It captured me from the first listen. Meaningful lyrics that make the slightly monotonous verses interesting, and a killer of a chorus. Also a fantastic performer. I do believe that Cyprus can make the final with this one for sure. It’s a 9/10 from me. I hope Cyprus will make the right choice on Sunday.
Jesus please no.
My number 1 most favorite song from the Cypriot NF! <3 Hovig is so much hot beautiful baby boy and his voice is so much sexy & passionate! <3 He has the whole package 4 sure! I hope that he will be the ONE that will come victorious in few days and represent Cyprus to Diamond Vision..! <3 He can not only qualify to the final but even doing great there finishing in the top10…Hovig has potentials to surpass the best ever place 4 Cyprus in Vision that is the 5th one.. He can even be hot favorite candidate to… Read more »
Cyprus I beg you to send him, his potential could allow cyprus to go to the final this year. Bravo Hovig!