Introducing our brand-new series: Bold Predictions. We’ll dive into Eurovision countries, recap their highs and lows, and dare to forecast what might be coming next. Yes, we’re going there.
And we’re kicking it off with Armenia — a country that can tug at your heartstrings one year and surprise you with a quirky, unstoppable bop the next. Over the past decade, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotional ballads, ethno-pop magic, and, occasionally… entries that left us wanting to walk out of the room. But that’s part of the charm. With Eurovision 2026 around the corner, it’s time to look back, think ahead, and make some bold predictions.
Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Eras
Armenia’s Eurovision journey can be divided into three distinctive eras, often associated with different heads of delegation: Diana Mnatsakanyan (2006-2010), Gohar Gasparyan (2011-2018), and David Tserunyan/Anushik Ter-Ghukasyan (2019-present).
As the first South Caucasus country to participate, Armenia initially played it safe, sending the country’s biggest stars — Sirusho, Hayko, André, and others. This strategy paid off, with Armenia securing a top 10 finish in the final, five years in a row from its debut in 2006.
Next came the experimental phase. Selection methods swung back and forth — from internal picks to national finals. In 2017, Depi Evratesil was a months-long contest, selecting only the performer. Shout out to Artsvik.
Post-pandemic, Armenia shifted focus to new talent — artists who weren’t widely known but had something unique to say. Enter Rosa Linn, Brunette, and others with distinctive styles.
In 2025, Depi Evratesil returned with a bang: a big venue, heavy marketing, months of buzz, and public engagement. While the TV production and sound mixing left some wanting more, the public vote winner Parg triumphed overall, raising the question: did Armenia need the national final to pick the best song, or was this more about boosting public engagement?
It leaves us wondering: Where is the Armenian delegation and Public TV heading with Eurovision? Is there a clear plan, or is it another round of experimentation? This question is exactly what makes us excited to make some bold predictions about Armenia’s future in the contest.
Recent Highs and Lows
Armenia has had some unforgettable moments. Aram Mp3’s “Not Alone” (2014) had the drama, the emotional rollercoaster. Iveta Mukuchyan’s “LoveWave” (2016) gave us sleek staging and vocal perfection. And then… Some years didn’t go as planned.
Looking back, Armenia has consistently showcased great talent and daring entries, even if the results over the past five years haven’t always reflected it. In 2022, Armenia scored a viral hit internationally after the contest, yet it landed in the lower half of the final scoreboard. Brunette followed in 2023 with “Future Lover,” qualifying for the final and finishing 14th. In 2025, Parg qualified but nearly ended in the bottom 5 in the final. This makes LadaNiva’s 8th-place finish in 2024 the standout of the decade.
So what lessons can Armenia take from this?
Roadmap: What They Should Do
Looking ahead, Armenia has a few clear paths for Eurovision, and the approach depends on what the delegation and Public TV want to achieve.
First and foremost, giving a voice to new talent has proven effective. Artists like Rosa Linn and Brunette brought something fresh and authentic, though the results were safe.
If the goal is to maximize national engagement and rally public support, returning to the mid-2000s strategy of selecting a household name could be the key. Artists like Iveta Mukuchyan or The Voice winner Masha Mnjoyan have the vocal talent, versatility, and public backing to deliver strong results —provided they get the right song. Another performer who could unite Armenians in front of the TV is Lilit Hovhannisyan. Maybe it’s time to give her a call?
If Armenia sticks with a national final format like Depi Evratesil, it doesn’t necessarily need to be held in a large concert hall. No one expects Armenia to produce the next Melodifestivalen or Sanremo just yet. Instead, the emphasis should be on the quality of TV production itself. Armenian Public TV has high-quality studios and experience from shows like The Masked Singer and Two Stars, which could effectively host a national selection with strong production values.
Armenia can look at what Serbia does for example with PZE and the success they achieve in a simple TV studio setting. A successful national final should not only find the best song but also attract a wide range of artists, providing them with a chance of exposure. The show should prioritize the artists and their songs, rather than the grandeur of the concert venue. After all, the primary goal is to select the best act for Eurovision, not to fill a hall.
Every singer should play to their strengths, but looking at Armenia’s history in the contest, the most memorable entries often combine experimentation with a strong sense of national identity; something instantly recognizable as “Armenian” to viewers. Folk-pop hits aren’t the only path, but they’ve worked before, and there’s no reason not to lean on that heritage while pushing into bold, new musical territory.
Time for some Bold Predictions
Here’s what I predict for Armenia’s Eurovision future:
- In 2026, Armenia will likely return to internal selection. The national final created buzz, but the memory of poor production is still too fresh to expect a repeat.
- Over the next five years, SIMON, the jury winner of Depi Evratesil 2025, and Masha Mnjoyan, The Voice winner, will likely take the stage for Armenia with an internal selection.
- Athena Manoukian is unlikely to return for Armenia or Depi Evratesil, though she might try her luck in Greece’s Εθνικός Τελικός.
- The Boldest Prediction: Folk-pop alone will not secure a victory ever for Armenia. The 2014 entry with an experimental approach came closest. Future success will require daring, a unique song with a strong vocalist.
Now it’s your turn! What has been your favorite Armenian moment at Eurovision so far? And while you’re at it, make your own bold prediction: Who do you think will represent Armenia next, and could they finally bring home that long-awaited win?
