Following a period of tension in Armenia, broadcaster AMPTV has confirmed that it has withdrawn from Eurovision 2021. The EBU confirmed the news on the official Eurovision website.

Armenia withdraws from Eurovision 2021

In an official statement, AMPTV says that recent events in the country have made it impossible to organise an entry in time for the March deadline.

“After careful and detailed discussions, the Public Television Company of Armenia has decided to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, considering the latest events, the shortness of production time as well as other objective reasons that make the proper participation of Armenia at ESC 2021 impossible.”

Executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest Martin Österdahl says he hopes to see Armenia return to Eurovision in the near future.

 “The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) community is deeply sorry that AMPTV has decided to withdraw from participating in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Armenia have a great record at the Eurovision Song Contest and always bring excitement and quality performances to the stage. We understand the reasons for their withdrawal and we will miss their hard working and professional delegation in Rotterdam. We very much hope to welcome Armenia back in 2022.”

Armenia withdraws from Eurovision 2021

For some, this news will be unsurprising. Armenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2021 follows its earlier withdrawal from Junior Eurovision 2020. There, Maléna was set to sing “Why”. But in November, AMTPV withdrew from the contest following the introduction of martial law in the region as a result of ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan.

Armenia was scheduled to perform in the second semi-final of Eurovision in Rotterdam this year. But with the March deadline looming, AMPTV had yet to announce its representative. Last year, the country chose Athena Manoukian to sing “Chains on You” at Eurovision. Her hip-hop inspired track was a favourite with Eurovision fans.

Armenia has participated at Eurovision 13 times since their debut in 2006 — only missing the contest once before 2021. In 2012, AMPTV withdrew from Eurovision in Azerbaijan as a result of new tension between the two neighbouring countries.

What do you think of this news? Are you sad that Armenia won’t appear at Eurovision this year? Let us know in the comments below. 

Read more Armenia Eurovision news here

173 Comments
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athena manoukian stan
athena manoukian stan
3 years ago

righttt. and the head of delegation keeps saying we’ll come back stronger than ever. let’s hope that’s not some bs because i’m really manifesting for yerevan 2023

Erik
Erik
3 years ago

Abris

Oy oy
Oy oy
3 years ago

Obvoius they don’t Want Athena. Give Me a break, Armenia has had a year to come Up with a New entry.

Rasmus
Rasmus
3 years ago

I want Armenia to stay and Russia,Belarus and Azerbaijan to go. Belarus arrested 14 pensioners on a buss 2 days ago for reading books that the crazy regime hates. The regime hates EVERYTHING. I dont need those 3 in ESC . Do you ?

Anne Marie
Anne Marie
3 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

Yes, but Armenia’s government is problematic, too. Actually there are currently a few problematic countries *cough* Hungary, Poland,…

raylee
raylee
3 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

honey Armenia also has a dictator (worse than a dictator) right now. If you want dictatorship regimes to leave , be fair and you should want them to leave too. I don’t agree because political stuff should not be connected to the Eurovision. Governments , prime ministers etc.. They all should stay and be the part of diversity chain

Jonas
Jonas
3 years ago

Maybe they might still be able to vote, like Serbia and Montenegro back in 2006 – and they had a much worse reason for withdrawing.

Maya G
Maya G
3 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Also, Ukraine were eligible to vote in 2019 but declined. Allegedly the reason was that if they’re not participating anyway, they’d rather not vote either as their 12 points from the televote would most likely have gone to Russia.

Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago

I like Armenian entries so much… so sad 🙁

raspadinha
raspadinha
3 years ago

OMAGA!

Rasmus
Rasmus
3 years ago

Sad

Me!
Me!
3 years ago

Sad news, Armenia will be missed!

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

I would have thought they could have picked a more local singer as a backup plan if they couldn’t work with Althena due to her living in Greece, but their withdrawal makes me wonder if things are so dysfunctional that they couldn’t even do that. I’m sorry we will miss Armenia at the contest, but I hope things can get better by next year.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

There’s precedent for it. Ukraine and Portugal withdrew for a year and then came back to win the whole shebang. But if Armenia wins next year, will Azerbaijan not participate? Armenia withdrew when Azerbaijan hosted, so I can’t imagine Azerbaijan wanting to step foot either.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Israel did too back in ‘98, technically so did Serbia

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

More like three years for Israel. They didn’t qualify in the 1996 pre-show semi-final predecessor, and they bowed out of the 1997 contest due to the show date clashing with Holocaust Remembrance Day that year. So it was really three years between Israel’s last appearance and third win.

KRM
KRM
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Azerbaijan would never participate if the contest was to be held in Armenia. Neither would Armenia.

Armenia wouldn’t most likely participate either if the contest was held in Turkey.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

That’s what I figured. If Russia were to win again, I don’t think Ukraine will participate.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

I mean, Cyprus competed when it was in Turkey.

Roo
Roo
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Cyprus even voted for Turkey. Considering how close the scores were in 2003 you could say Cyprus gave Turkey the victory.

raylee
raylee
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Nobody has a reason to not to participate a show in Turkey! And I am sure Armenia would participate Turkish-delightful Eurovision. They have a population in Turkey

NITZAN
NITZAN
3 years ago

Just take a song from Sweden!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

That’s sad, but completely understandable. I’m sure Armenia will come back stronger.

sam
sam
3 years ago

chisinau 2022*

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
3 years ago

Oh no!! Very sad news, but it only makes sense considering the circumstances. I hope Armenia can heal in time for 2022.

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
3 years ago

I think this is the most dislikes I’ve ever seen on a Wiwi comment (understandably so)

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Not caused by an Arilena Ara stan, at least

Kostas
Kostas
3 years ago

Not enough time?
I mean, you had a whole year, Armenia.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Kostas

See, they had a year, but then there was a war. You might’ve heard about it?

Kostas
Kostas
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Then they should say that “We could not come up with an entry because we had a war and we lost Nagorno Karabakh” but don’t release a statement saying it was because of lack of time. Don’t get me wrong…I want Armenia in the contest, but the reasons they give are not the actual reasons then because they had a full year. The war started in September…so they had nothing done from April to September? Why didn’t they withdraw in September/October? Why wait until March when everybody was expecting the release of their entry?

Last edited 3 years ago by Kostas
athena manoukian stan
athena manoukian stan
3 years ago
Reply to  Kostas

u realize the heads of delegations have other jobs apart from eurovision. they are producers at the television company. nobody is planning songs from april-september. they also worked on junior eurovision at that time. and they waited until march bc amptv literally had multiple discussions on whether or not they should participate.

athena manoukian stan
athena manoukian stan
3 years ago
Reply to  Kostas

also if my country just came out of a devastating war, is hit hard with a contagious virus, and had protests against the prime minister, EUROVISION would be my LEAST priority.

euroguy1
euroguy1
3 years ago
Reply to  Kostas

They had a war of course. This war ended in November 2020. Obviously, November is still a good time to begin Eurovision preparations. Even though the war ended, huge protests and social tensions began across Armenia due to the ceasefire agreement to end the war. The civil unrest was unpredictable and many would think it would’ve stopped now. If anything, it’s just getting worse. Considering budget cuts at AMPTV due to the conflict, I see no problem with their withdrawal. If you read the statement of the head of delegation, he said that the broadcaster had been doing all they… Read more »

Cameron
Cameron
3 years ago
Reply to  Kostas

Armenia didn’t really, it’s more been about 5 months as they had a war then a political crisis which is still ongoing

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago

I’m so sorry you’re not going to be able to participate, Armenia. I hope the EBU won’t finE you heavily for withdrawing so late, considering your circumstances.

I admit, I didn’t exactly see this coming. I knew they withdrew from junior eurovision because the conflict was more recent, but I guess the aftermath must be that devastating along with dealing with Covid. I hope things get better by next year.

Nicolas
Nicolas
3 years ago

Imagine Baku 2022 then Armenia will likely withdraw again.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

You mean Luxembourg 2022? Or maybe Sarajevo?

KRM
KRM
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Pretty ironic to exlude the possibility of one country to host the contest when you haven’t even heard their song yet.

I get that you all don’t want Azerbaijan to host the contest, but at least, wait for the release of the entry

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

I was just being facetious. Like literally suggesting countries that aren’t even competing this year. It’s silly predicting a winner at this stage.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

It’s not that, but Baku 2022 is EXACTLY how you guarantee Armenia won’t be back for 2022 – the two countries have a relationship that makes Russian-Ukrainian relations look downright friendly.

KRM
KRM
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

The same would apply to Yerevan hosting the contest (if they can host it at all, just speaking realistically)

GreenLegs
GreenLegs
3 years ago

You mean Helsinki or Serravalle 2022.

Kel
Kel
3 years ago

Sending my prayers

Robert
Robert
3 years ago

Someone’s harboring hate……

Robert
Robert
3 years ago

They had a year! See you next year I guess

Kirby
Kirby
3 years ago

EBU should invite Kazakhstan to fill in the slot left by Armenia. I’m sure they could wrap up an entry in a few seconds!

DESC
DESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Yeah,but they would get a lot of hate because of „replacing” Armenia(even it’s not like that).Hopefully they will join us next year togetrer with Armenia to make contest even stronger and more united than ever?

kir
kir
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Another post-Soviet oil-rich dictatorship ready to throw tons of money to host the most expensive contest in their capital city just to show the world they’re modern and powerful while being brutal towards their citizens.

You mean let’s replace Armenia with Azerbaijan 2.0, right?

Reus
Reus
3 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

I think we should work on getting Slovakia, Bosnia and Luxembourg back instead.

EDIT: Hungary and Turkey can come back when their attitudes towards LGBT rights change.

Last edited 3 years ago by Reus
Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Reus

I think Hungary probably has a problem with ESC explicitly existing to be a multicultural event, given how ethnically nationalistic the government is in addition to being homophobic.

Even if Erdogan left office, Turkey may not return because part of the reason they left was because the reintroduction of the juries killed their diaspora advantage.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
3 years ago

This is sad. Hopefully Armenia will come back stronger!

Kirby
Kirby
3 years ago

You mean St Petersburg 2022 or Reykjavík 2022…

athena manoukian stan
athena manoukian stan
3 years ago

this is literally the saddest news. i guess i’m a full on dotter and little big stan from now on. :((((((

Harut
Harut
3 years ago

Our nation needs to heal, our hearts are still broken , wer are not ready to show up on international stages right now . We’ll come back stronger than ever . Thanks guys for your support.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Harut

We’re all with you!

Harut Hovhannisyan
Harut Hovhannisyan
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Thank you ?

kir
kir
3 years ago
Reply to  Harut

We all remember Ukraine’s withdrawal in 2015 and their magnificent comeback in 2016

Take heart!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

Oh man, if this leads to an Armenian comeback as good as Ukraine’s, it’ll have all been worth it. (The withdrawal, I mean. Not the war and aftermath.)

kir
kir
3 years ago

Maybe we should have punished Azerbaijan in 2008 after they’ve bought 12 points from Hungary and 10 from Czechia before it became a common practice for years, nah?

Last edited 3 years ago by kir
Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
3 years ago

Such a bittersweet news since many ESC fans have been wanting Athena to take part in the contest for a while now but with the current situation in Armenia its understandable why they had to withdraw. The whole nation is still reeling from the ceasefire so I don’t think their delegation will be in a proper mindset to speak to the press at ESC.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

If anything, give Rotterdam, AVRATOS and The Netherlands for being able to pull together any Eurovision with a pandemic.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

You mean *Paris 2022

kir
kir
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

You mean Lausanne 2022 hosted by Gjon and Céline Dion?

ESC Yellow
ESC Yellow
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

Yes, Céline!! But Sidney 2022!!!

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

I understand the circumstances, but I am sorry. Hopefully we see them (represented by Athena, whose Chains on You is still my 10th of 2020) in 2022.

As for 2021, they could have tried going with a fan-favorite entry of other selections. It would likely make a lot of people happy (for instance, imagine The Roop and Gebrasy both on ESC 2021!). Still, I see why that would be complicated to pull off.

You are still a part of this family, Armenia! See you soon. Take care.

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
NickC
NickC
3 years ago

Poor Athena. Imagine losing the chance to represent your country not once, but twice. She is now officially the unluckiest contestant ever, followed by Aksel.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Um…Aksel lost his second NF fair and square. Athena got screwed over by politics. But to me both don’t compare to poor Ovidiu Anton – who was denied the chance to compete in Stockholm a few WEEKS before the contest due to TVR’s debts. And he wasn’t invited back in 2017.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  NickC

The unluckiest ones are VAL, who were publicly ditched by their broadcaster, and insulted in the process. The second ones would be Ben & Tan, who were ditched by their broadcaster on three occasions. At least it was told to them in a more private way. For the third unluckiest, it would be a tie between Sandro and Tom Leeb. The fifth unluckiest would be Athena, for not being able to participate this year at all. Still, there is a hope that Armenia takes her in 2022 or one of the following years. Aksel was unlucky for the strong competition… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
KRM
KRM
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Why Tom Leeb tho? I thought that he didn’t want to come back due to personal reasons?

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

I think he was out because of scheduling issues for 2021, but I strongly suspect it was more France cutting their losses because of how badly received the best in me was. It’s also the same reason I suspect Cyprus getting a new artist for this year.

AM2PM
AM2PM
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Sixth unluckies woud be Eden for going from a very likely top ten in 2020 to a highly likely non-qualifier in 2021 🙁

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago
Reply to  AM2PM

Oh yeah, Israel is definitely at risk for illumination if the revamp doesn’t improve the song.

Neil
Neil
3 years ago

Sad day… but Hope for the best for Armenia and hope for a return Next Year
You should keep your artist for the Eurovisions : Athena and Malena Fox (JESC)

DonutLover
DonutLover
3 years ago

How can you say good to such a thing…

DonutLover
DonutLover
3 years ago

So sad..
Athena for 2022 pls!!!
She deserves it,not only she lost 2020 chance but now a chance to be invited again and reunite with some of the 2020 gang…
We will miss you Armenia 🙁

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
3 years ago
Reply to  DonutLover

I will pray and hope that Athena will be selected by Greece one day so we can finally see her at ESC

Rashad
Rashad
3 years ago

It’s sad to see them leave. I’ve mostly liked their entries and as being from the “opposite” country, it’s always fun to watch their entries. TBH, I don’t think they can afford to be back to Eurovision in the next few years. They are having a huge political crisis and suffering the consequences of their past political mistakes. Azerbaijan is demanding $50B compensation from Armenia for the damages they have caused. Armenia’s only sources of money are Russia (which clearly uses them) and the diaspora. The diaspora is mad at the current government, so the help won’t be that huge.… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Rashad

That’s gotta be one of the most diplomatic things I’ve heard an Azerbaijani person say about Armenia. Good for you!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

It’s nicer than most Azerbaijani comments I’ve seen about Armenia. The bar is the floor.

phone but on laptop
phone but on laptop
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I do think Rashad just stated some facts and did not want to sound rude. “Azerbaijan is demanding 50B” – that is a fact, not his personal opinion, plus you have twisted his words a little Rashad did not say Armenia is trashland, you have made those words up by falsely reading between the lines. Armenia does get loans from Russia Based on the corruption perceptions index, Armenia is quite corrupt, but not as corrupt as some other Eurovision countries like Russia, Belarus, Romania, Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Ukraine, but in fact, Azerbaijan is the most corrupt country… Read more »

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Rashad

The crisis Armenia are facing is undeniable but I think it’s the fact that it’s paired with Covid and their likely singer being in another country that makes their participation untenable.

Also, I’d be hesitant to wholly blame Armenia for what’s happening in the Caucasus. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan just aren’t good neighbours politically.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

I’m looking forward to the day you show any level of sympathy toward anyone

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Whenever you post something, Anita Tylenol

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

get her jade

ESC8
ESC8
3 years ago

I deeply understand their decision but I am devastated when countries (any country) decide to withdraw. My only “criticism” would be why they didn’t do that earlier, before the October deadline, but I guess that they wanted to be optimistic that everything will be sorted out by now and yet here we are. I will miss you Armenia. Hope to see you back next year!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago
Reply to  ESC8

Hopefully, they’re not going to get majorly fined because of so many crisis, especially with Covid.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

And the lack of audience in the arena is because of a GODDAMN PANDEMIC

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Not haters, just people with hearts

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

Well this is bad news for France. But at least the Azeri jury will rank their genuinely least favourite song as their 25th song in the final.

Internet Person
Internet Person
3 years ago

Sad, but not unexpected. Hope they are able to sort out their situation in time for next year.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

In the back of my head, with the contest this close and radio silence from Armenia regarding their entry, I kinda saw this coming. But I love Armenia and I love their entries in the contest so obviously I’m devastated. Here’s hoping they’ll be back and better than ever in 2022. We’re gonna miss you this year! You’re in our hearts.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Also love how yet again, lots of Eurofans remain willfully ignorant of international politics until it turns out they might be more important than the contest once in a while

kir
kir
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

The way to my heart is through Beatles quotes. If I may quote another Beatles song, “But when you talk about destruction/Don’t you know that you can count me out.”

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
3 years ago

This should not be a surprise given the upheaval the country is going through. Very sad, good luck Armenia.

Okt
Okt
3 years ago

Shame on shame on you

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Okt

Yeah, shame on them going through serious issues in the wake of a huge war with a neighboring country in the middle of a pandemic.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago
Reply to  Okt

How dare they recover from a war when it’s eurovision time.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

It’s just plain inconsiderate, you know?

kir
kir
3 years ago

BTW are there any news about Switzerland and Malta?
They look really promising, the artists and the crews are such a winner material. Kinda worried

Last edited 3 years ago by kir
Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

Switzerland are releasing their song on the 10th. The Eurovision instagram account posted on their story about it earlier.

KRM
KRM
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

Malta will most likely say nothing and release their song in the last minute as they did last year.

So I would expect Destiny’s entry by the 14th or 15th of March.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

They have confirmed artists. That’s the difference, they’re probably just finalising things.

Benny Hill
3 years ago
Reply to  kir

Swiss entry out on 10th of March.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago

The writing on the wall has been clear for a long time, but still, this announcement hit pretty damn hard. I’m extremely sorry for all the Armenian fans, I know it must be difficult, we’ll miss you so much, guys!
Here’s hoping it’s the only piece of disappointing news we’ll get to hear this year.

Coco
Coco
3 years ago

They have just lost a war. Have some consideration, you will never feel what they feel.