Snapping one, two, where are we? We are in Yerevan, ready to watch Depi Evratesil 2025 to discover the identity of Armenia’s Eurovision representative for 2025. Armenia is reverting to a national selection for the first time since 2020 and there are 12 acts hoping to represent the country in Basel.
Last year, Ladaniva delivered Armenia their first Top 10 finish since 2016. Now, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — is on a hunt to find an act capable of reaching similar heights. Was their search successful? Read on to find out.
Antranig
1. Athena Manoukian – “DaQueenation”
This might be the most difficult Wiwi Jury I’ve ever done, since three or four of the big hitters are very difficult to judge without seeing them live. That includes “DaQueenation”, which didn’t grab me on first listen. In fact, the lyrics throughout the spoken sections range from sassy or empowering to cringeworthy and back again from one line to the next. However, the chorus — that brief interlude where Athena is belting out her high notes — is absolutely epic and I love its grandiose nature. I am also a huge fan of the musical break towards the end, which feels like it has been seasoned with a smattering of North African or Middle Eastern sounds. I can’t wait to see what Athena does with this live, as that will make or break it.
2. Flora Bichakhchyan – “Prayer”
3. Anahit Hakobyan and Gasoiia – “Wild”
4. Arsen ft. Kamil – “Will You Marry Me?”
5. Mels – “Losing”
Sebastian
1. Simon – “Ay Paparey Bye”
Simon’s “Ay Paparey Bye” is like a high-speed rollercoaster of Armenian beats. One part Armenian ethno-pop, which it does best, and one part Melovin from Ukraine, it’s an unexpected release from an otherwise competitive national selection. Pop energy — thrilling, dizzying and just a little bit wild, the song explodes with personality, making it impossible to ignore. Whether it’s genius or just pure chaos depends on your tolerance for sonic adrenaline. Either way, Simon commits 100% and love it or not, you’ll be humming “Bye Bye Bye!” from it long after it’s over!
2. Parg – “Survivor”
3. Anahit Hakobyan and Gasoiia – “Wild”
4. Anahit Adamyan – “Tiny Little Boo”
5. Flora Bichakhchyan – “Prayer”
Ruxy
1. Flora Bichakhchyan – “Prayer”
Last year, Armenia proved that its traditional musical influences could lead to great success, and Flora’s song once again showcases authentic Armenian beauty, particularly through its instrumental breaks. However, this is not just a repetition of last year’s formula — this song has a fresh, contemporary radio sound. The song’s intensity builds gradually, beginning at a slower pace and featuring flawless high notes, with traditional instruments reaching a climactic moment. Towards the end, the rhythm accelerates, creating a dynamic evolution. Flora strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, leaving room for staging that could be either mystical and authentic or sleek and contemporary — both of which would complement the song beautifully.
2. Athena Manoukian – “DaQueenation”
3. Anahit Hakobyan and Gasoiia – “Wild”
4. Arsen ft. Kamil – “Will You Marry Me?”
5. Anahit Adamyan – “Tiny Little Boo”
Tom
1. Anahit Adamyan – “Tiny Little Boo”
OK, I really like “Prayer”. But, I have been seduced. I couldn’t stop smiling at the chorus of “Tiny Little Boo”. This song balances cute and sexy very well and I became strangely bashful and embarrassed like I was a teenager again asking the prettiest girl in school out. What has this song done to me? It feels genuine and current and I can see this doing very well at Eurovision. My only issue is that this song could have been sent by any country. “Prayer” is the song I should want from Armenia. “Tiny Little Boo” is the song I do want from Armenia.
2. Flora Bichakhchyan – “Prayer”
3. Parg – “Survivor”
4. Simon – “Ay Paparey Bye”
5. Mels – “Losing”
Andreas
1. Athena Manoukian – “DaQueenation”
My top three was super close to each other, so it was very difficult to decide. However, I couldn’t choose anyone else other than Athena Manoukian. She is back after having been selected for the (cancelled) 2020 edition of the contest to represent Armenia and I hope she represents Armenia this year too. I will divide the song in two parts. The instrumental part needs much work to be done and I am hoping for a revamp. The vocals on the other hand are very well produced and their mixing is great. It is a song that is here to please the gays and it does a great job in doing so (see “Kant”, “Ich komme” and the like). I would love to see how she will perform it live, because there is excessive use of autotune in the studio version. 12 points to Athena and “DaQueenation” from me.
2. Anahit Hakobyan and Gasoiia – “Wild”
3. Gevorg Harutyunyan – “Hey Man”
4. Arsen ft. Kamil – “Will You Marry Me?”
5. Milena Mirijanyan – “Romantic Net”
What do you think of the songs competing at Depi Evratesil 2025? Which act should Armenia send to Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below.
I’m daring to dream!