Introduction
This year the Armenian broadcaster C1 has organized a national final Depi Jewratessil 2020 again, after last year’s internal choice, which did not make it into the Grand Final in Tel Aviv. Out of 12 entries, Athena Manoukian could make the race, she received the highest votes from the international and Armenian jury, while the public voted mainly for Vladimir Arzumanyan and Athena was voted on third place. This was enough for Athena to win the national Final. Regrettably, the ESC has been cancelled and there is no confirmation yet if she can go 2021.
Athena Manoukian was born in Athens, Greece in 1994 also grew up in Greece, she has Armenian heritage. She took part in several competitions and talent shows. In 2008 she represented Greece at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with “To fili tis Aphroditi” and made a 7th place. By now Athens composes her own songs, she even composed a song called “Palia mou agapi“ for the Greek Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou. This song sold over 12.000 times and received platinum.
The Armenian song “Chains On You” is typical R’nB song with a groovy rhythm, which has been composed by Athena herself together with DJ Paco. There has been made a brand new video clip for this entry. Judging by her live performance, the tones did not match 100%. There is a certain monotony in this song, you really have to love this kind of music. This song would have had its difficulties to reach the Grand Final.
History
Armenia was the first country from the Caucasus region which has joined the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens in 2006. This enlargement of the participating countries was a big surprise and a real enrichment in all matters. The debut entry “Without Your Love” by André made a very good 8th place. This year it will be the 14th entry from Armenia in the ESC. Armenia always wanted to win the ESC, at least they have won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and even hosted is in the capital of Yerevan. So it’s probably only a question of time when Armenia is going to win.
The best results so far was two times the 4th place, which could be reached by Sirusho with “Qele Qele” in 2008 and by Aram MP3 with “Not Alone” in Copenhagen 2014. Over the years Armenia could pass the qualification rounds ten times and ended up the Top10 for seven times. This is absolutely amazing. New countries can bring a lot of new energy into this established contest which should have celebrated its 65th anniversary in Rotterdam. But we have to wait until 2021 due to the Corona virus crisis. Armenia is often receiving good points and never landed on the last place. This means that Armenia has a very high chance of 50% to reach a Top10 position. This makes Armenia to one of the strongest newcomers in the recent ESC history. The music from Armenia is mostly very contemporary with folkloristic elements. Since 2017 the trend is slightly decreasing, Artsvik made a 18th place only in 2017 and in 2018 and 2019 Armenia did not even make it into the Grand Final.
Due to political reasons Armenia did not participate in the 2012 ESC in Baku, Azerbaijan, which was a pity as the Eurovision Song Contest strongly emphasizes that it’s a contest of music and has no political impact. Last year’s entry “Walking Out” sung by Sbruk did not reach the Grand Final in Tel Aviv and made the 16th rank in the Semi Final.
Biggest successes
Video Nostalgia
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