Over the summer, wiwibloggs has been running a series taking a look at all of the 43 countries currently participating in the Eurovision Song Contest and some of the reasons why we love them. Our tour has taken us around Europe and today we touched down in Yerevan, the final stop in our journey.

We are taking a look at Armenia, who joined the contest in 2006. Armenia enjoyed a prosperous start to their Eurovision career, placing in the top ten on their first five attempts. They have placed fourth twice and delivered a wide range of music. Without further ado — and for the last time — here are 10 reasons why we love Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest.

1. Fierce female soloists…

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Armenia are at their best when they send a fierce female soloist. Whether it is Sirusho or Iveta Mukuchyan, from Eva Rivas to Artsvik, Armenia has a plethora of female talent. It’s also no surprise that the country has won Eurovision’s Next Top Model twice, with Tamar Kaprelian taking out the honour in 2015 and Iveta Mukuchyan in 2016. Even national finals have thrown up fierce females, from Egine to Asmik Shiroyan. Who runs Armenia? Girls!

… and the men aren’t so bad either

Armenia’s most memorable entries feature fierce females but they have plenty of male talent too. A strong debut with Andre was followed up by a beautiful ballad from Hayko. The likes of Aram MP3 hold Armenia’s equal best result and more recently, Sevak Khanagyan took us somewhere special with the first ever Eurovision entry completely in the Armenian language. The men of Armenia can definitely hold their own.

2. They sing about fruit

Malta sang about vodka. Latvia had a cake to bake. Belarus had their cheesecake and ate it too. But Armenia stripped it down to mother nature’s sweet fruit. Eva Rivas sang “Apricot Stone” in 2010, celebrating the national fruit of Armenia. Apricots aren’t just popular in Armenia though — “Apricot Stone” soared to a seventh-place finish in Oslo.

3. They did that epic woodwind instrument moment first

Denmark won Eurovision 2013 with Emmelie de Forest’sOnly Teardrops“. The performance is instantly recognisable with it starting with a close up on Emmelie’s flautist. Speaking of apricots and Eva Rivas, her performance of “Apricot Stone” three years earlier featured a similar staging moment, featuring the woodwind instrument known in Armenia as the duduk. We aren’t taking anything away from Emmelie’s epic win in 2013 but there’s no doubt that both songs had that magic moment and Eva did it first.

4. Two-word song titles using the same word twice

From “Qele Qele” to “Jan Jan” to “Boom Boom”, half of Armenia’s first six entries followed a curious pattern. The most curious part of this pattern is the differing fortunes of the songs. “Qele Qele” holds the record of Armenia’s equal best result. “Jan Jan” finished in a respectable tenth in 2009 which was Armenia’s worst ever result at the time, while “Boom Boom” was Armenia’s first entry which failed to qualify. Emmy can take solace in the fact that her giant boxing glove holds an unquestionable spot in the history of staging props.

5. The curious case of “Qele Qele”

There is no doubt that “Qele Qele” is one of the best entries Armenia has sent to Eurovision, worthy of a spot on any Eurovision dance playlist. We have to start by pointing out that Sirusho is a complete goddess and an absolute Eurovision icon. But we also have to point out some odd records that she holds. “Qele Qele” received the most 12 point scores of all songs in the Eurovision 2008 grand final, from no less than eight countries, but managed to finish outside the top three. “Qele Qele” isn’t the only song to achieve this potentially unwanted record — Bosnia and Herzegovina also did it with “Love in Rewind” in 2011.

However, one completely unique honour that “Qele Qele” holds is that it managed to beat a Eurovision winner in a semi-final without winning the semi-final. This feat has not been matched by any other entry in the history of the contest, due to the fact that no winning song other than “Believe” has finished below second in a semi-final.

There sure are some curiosities around “Qele Qele” but for the most part, we will remember it for the masterpiece that it is.

6. They sent a guy singing “Not Alone” completely alone

You will need an appreciation of irony to take in Armenia’s 2014 entry. “Not Alone” matched Sirusho’s record of finishing fourth at Eurovision but unlike Sirusho’s dance number with her troupe of backing dancers, Aram MP3 did so by singing all alone on stage. While this is far from unusual when it comes to Eurovision performances, we certainly appreciate the irony of his solo performance with a song called “Not Alone”. His repeated cries of “you’re not alone” may be true, but Aram himself was all alone.

7. Eurovision’s best sister act

Siblings can get in on the Eurovision fun together. Whether it’s Russia’s Tolmachevy Sisters, Switzerland’s Zibbz or Ireland’s Jedward, there are many cases of talented siblings working wonders on the Eurovision stage together. But they don’t get any better than Armenia’s Inga & Anush. The sisters performed the addictive “Jan Jan”, one of the best pieces of pop in the last decade. The ladies played to their traditional roots, from outfits to instrumentation and dance styles, and finished tenth in one of the most competitive editions of the contest ever.

8. The Depi Evratesil national selection

Admittedly Depi Evratesil hasn’t brought Armenia much success since it was introduced as the national selection in 2017. However, the format is definitely finding its feet, with a number of quality entries in 2018. Armenia has had a few teething problems with the contest but as it develops and if Armenia persist with it, Depi Evratesil could evolve into the best national final in Eastern Europe. We should also point out some of the most epic performances from the contest, from the dazzling Egine in 2017 to the beautiful Tamar Kaprelian in 2018. Some of us are still a bit disappointed Armenia’s best national final entries did not get through. Oh, and let’s not forget the outrageous Kamil Show, which simply cannot be put into words. If you haven’t experienced “Puerto Rico”, strap yourself in for the best viewing experience of your life and click play below.

9. The masters of staging

Admittedly “Qami” was a bit of a staging misfire in 2018 but generally, Armenia produce some of the best staging we have witnessed at the Eurovision Song Contest. We’ve already mentioned the gigantic boxing glove from 2011 but let’s not forget that Eva Rivas had a gigantic apricot stone (and a smaller one in her hand). Genealogy brought a world map with them and Hayko brought the drama in 2007 by almost bleeding out on stage and even brought a replica of the trees of the Geghard Monastery. Amazingly, Sirusho brought an epic dance number without any props or gimmicks, which in itself is something spectacular at Eurovision. Of course, there’s also Artsvik, who brought some dramatic camerawork in 2017 and transformed “Fly with Me” from forgettable to fierce. Armenia does staging right.

10. The best-staged and best-performed entry in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest

Did you really think we were going to make an entry about staging on this list and not include Iveta Mukuchyan? The staging of “LoveWave” is so good it deserves its own entry on this list. Now I’m not going to be biased and make any ridiculous comments about how “LoveWave” is the best Eurovision entry ever (Poli Genova ensures that it’s not even my favourite entry of 2016) but simply put, nothing in the history of Eurovision pulls off the drama that Iveta Mukuchyan pulls off. It’s a performance that is too good to compute and has already left a legacy on the contest, having a major influence on a number of entries in the two years since, with the likes of Armenia’s Artsvik and Croatia’s Franka trying to pull off that same dramatic wow factor. “LoveWave” creates drama with quick cuts and sharp camera angles and most of all, the way Iveta works her body.

In short, “LoveWave” is incomparable.

Bonus: The Armenian diaspora

The Armenian diaspora has certainly played its part in helping Armenia move up the leaderboard in certain editions of the contest. However, we have to also point out the wonders that the Armenian diaspora has delivered on the stage as well.

The group Genealogy was formed consisting of Armenians from France, Ethiopia, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, as well as Armenia itself, representing Armenia at Eurovision 2015. Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala is Armenian from her mother’s side of the family and she won the contest for Ukraine. Hovig represented Cyprus in 2017 and is also a member of the Armenian diaspora. Another Armenian, Elly V, finished second in the Austrian national final in 2016. Armenians have had great success on stage, whether they are flying the Armenian flag or the flag of another country.

What do you think of Armenia at Eurovision? What are your favourite Armenian entries? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more Armenia Eurovision news here

Catch up with all 43 countries in our 10 reason series here

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Klaudia
Klaudia
6 years ago

Totally one of my favorite countries in ESC. So many great artist like Iveta, Artsvik, Eva Rivas, Sirusho…love you Armenia so much, I want to visit country one day ?

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
6 years ago

I mean, I think the Olsen Brothers did pretty well at Eurovision as siblings xD
I love Armenia in the contest so much (and don’t forget their JESC succes!)

ESCFan2009 (male, 22, German)
ESCFan2009 (male, 22, German)
6 years ago

The final of a great series 🙂 I prefered Nemra this year, but well…

Dame Tu Conchita
Dame Tu Conchita
6 years ago

Apricot Stone is underrated. And I like Sevak when he does hiphop music with other Russian artists. Also, Iveta has killer legs.

Sergio
Sergio
6 years ago

I will say also that Armenia never denies its roots and sounds and most of the Armenian entries sounds Armenia, something really admirable nowadays when most of countries send random English songs.

And yes, Iveta delivered the best performance ever.

yahya
yahya
6 years ago

I love Armenia not only as country, people but also in Eurovision. Their entries always get me excited. I hope still there are Armenians over there who leaves behind politics and give love back as well. With best wishes from Turkey.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

I want Lidushik to represent Armenia next year! 😀

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

Qele qele isn’t my favourite Eurovision entry ever!! Im even getting the lyrics tattooed on me!

pp77
pp77
6 years ago

My TOP 3 song from Armenia
1.2016 (deserved to be in TOP 3 even to won , with that song in 2018 Armeia would be in TOP 3)
2.2009 (deserved to be in TOP 5)
3.2007

Overrated for me in 2008, 2014
Underrated for me in 2009, 2017
Deserved to go to final in 2018
Don t deserved final in 2013

ask_67
ask_67
6 years ago

Thanks Turkey and Azerbaijan… armenia can use your cultures…

allexo
allexo
6 years ago

Love Black Sabbath, but Lonely Planet was probably one of THE worst songs of Eurovision 2013, Sorry

Vzzzzz
Vzzzzz
6 years ago

Jan Jan is masterpiece.
And BTW I like Qami staging

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago

What do you mean by saying “Quele quele managed to beat a Eurovision winner in a semi-final without winning the semi-final. This feat has not been matched by any other entry in the history of the contest” ?? Australia also beated Ukraine in SF2 in 2016

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Australia WON the semi-final, Qele Qele did not.

Loin dici
6 years ago
Reply to  Ugnius

“Believe” was only 3rd inthe semifinal results but managed to win the show. “Qele-qele”, OTOH, was 2nd in the same semi-final.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

A worthy finale to this awesome series. Armenia have a ton of really good entries, and I vibe with most of them. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’ve been digging Apricot Stone a lot lately, so I’ll say that.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
6 years ago

Iveta was in commmand! The only Armenian entry I personally clicked with so far. “Fly With Me” had the potential to be great, I loved the “fly with me high oh high” part which got really stuck in my head but the parts before were such a let-down and seemingly endless so all in all, it didn’t get me high. “Face The Shadow” makes for an interesting debate. How was “Don’t Deny” offensive? Of course it can be seen and probably (most definitely) was intended as a clear reference but the way they worded it was in no way a… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago

I like their 2008, 2014, 2016 songs, but also detest their attitude towards the contest. They have caused a lot of dramas before. They are usually overrated in Eurovision, they’re doing much better than they deserve. “Lonely planet” is a great example for that. That song deserved to rot in the bottom of the second semifinal, but they got 18th place in the final. They also should participate in ESC 2012. I know they have already participated in sports events held in Azerbaijan. EBU and Azeri broadcaster agreed on giving special security guarantee for their delegation anyway. That was totally… Read more »

Aušra
Aušra
6 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Your opinion is totally biased and it makes me uncomfortable. In a country which has an ongoing military conflict with you, no EBU could give enough security. It is completely understandable that they didn’t want to risk their artists’ and delegations lives.

Krill
Krill
6 years ago
Reply to  Aušra

The thing is that they have already participated in some other events held in Baku. Their withdrawal from ESC 2012 was a huge mistake. It could be a great opportunity for both countries. But no, they chose to stay home. They even got sanctioned by EBU because of that.

Stacey
6 years ago

Armenia always sticks with its roots, weather it works or not! Asmik shiroyan for tel Aviv!

cyprus
cyprus
6 years ago

They could have been so epic this year but they chose to be boring

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I loved every single one of their entries from their debut up until 2010, and then they completely lost it. 2016 was a slight comeback but this decade they’ve been awful.

Kaan
Kaan
6 years ago

I still hate them for occupying San Marino’s place in the final in 2013. -_-

Yanis2Y
Yanis2Y
6 years ago
Reply to  Kaan

I still hate the fact that my country decided to give them 12 points in the semi-final that year…

Rod
Rod
6 years ago
Reply to  Kaan

Armenia had a way better song

Dave
Dave
6 years ago

Frankly speaking not so fond of their entries. They usually repeat themselves. They need to try something fresh and modern next year.

And I hope that they stopped using Eurovision for teasing Azerbaijan with the Karabakh thing, that’s really annoying. They already got sanctioned for similar reasons like three times or sth. smh

José
José
6 years ago

Armenia is probably one of the most problematic countries in Eurovision. Sometimes they are being totally provocative towards their neighbors and disrespectful towards the contest itself. Should I talk about the propaganda they made with a monument picture from Nagorno-Karabakh in 2009 or that they sang a song about Armenian genocide in 2015 or Iveta Mukuchyan waving the disputed region’s flag during the show?! Idk. I also remember that before the show when Aram Mp3 was asked about Conchita he literally laughed saying how abnormal she was. At least they usually send good songs to Eurovision and I appreciate it.… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  José

What’s wrong with singing about the Armenian genocide? It’s literally only Turkey and Azerbaijan denying it, the rest of the world acknowledges it as something that really happened but that isn’t much covered.

Kaan
Kaan
6 years ago

They shouldn’t bring politics to the contest. Eurovision’s created to unite nations and if you’re joint to mess with ur neighbours that’s just wrong IMO.

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Maybe because it’s political content, and doesn’t go with the contest?

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

It’s an unfortunate yet consolidated historical event that happened over 100 years ago… nothing political about it, we need to stop questioning these tragedies.

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

Sending a song called “Face the shadow” ,which contains lyrics such as “Don’t Deny” is truly non-political.

MMHov
MMHov
6 years ago
Reply to  KESC

oh, yess, and sending a song called 1944 was truly non-political 😉 which was……

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  MMHov

“Waterloo” sys hi. 🙂

Viktor
Viktor
6 years ago
Reply to  José

“I also remember that before the show when Aram Mp3 was asked about Conchita he literally laughed saying how abnormal she was.”

The fact that he still got to represent a whole nation after such offensive comments is truly sad. In my country people would take the broadcaster by storm if our representative made such nasty comments. I’m just mad at EBU for allowing such countries to participate in the contest.

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

Don’t forget that ever since 2008, FIRE was a constant with every Armenian entry. They LOVE their fireworks

Wendy
Wendy
6 years ago

Not even a word of Lonely Planet (2013)? I call SHADE.

Teddy
Teddy
6 years ago
Reply to  Wendy

Shhhh, we don’t speak its name…. XD