AMPTV, the Armenian national broadcaster, has confirmed that Armenia will not take part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
Despite originally confirming participation in the contest, AMPTV found themselves unable to complete proper preparations for the contest due to the introduction of martial law in the region as a result of the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). This marks Armenia’s first absence from the contest since their debut in 2007.
Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“Armenia is one of Junior Eurovision’s most successful competitors, having participated in 13 previous contests and never finished outside the top 10. We understand the reasons for their withdrawal, but it’s very sad news and they will be missed. We hope to welcome them back in 2021.”
David Tserunyan, Head of Delegation for Armenia, revealed on Instagram that 13-year old Maléna Fox had been internally selected to represent Armenia in Warsaw back in July. Maléna also confirmed on her personal account that the song she would have performed at the contest would be released in the near future.
Armenia’s withdrawal means that now only twelve countries will take part in Junior Euroivsion 2020 on November 29 in Warsaw. They are:
- Belarus – Arina Pehtereva – “Aliens”
- France – Valentina – “J’imagine”
- Georgia
- Germany – Susan – “Stronger With You”
- Kazakhstan – Karakat Bashanova – “Forever”
- Malta – Chanel Monseigneur – “Chasing Sunsets”
- Netherlands – Unity – “Best Friends”
- Poland – Ala Tracz – “I’ll Be Standing”
- Russia – Sofia Feskova – “Moy novy den”
- Serbia – Petar Aničić – “Heartbeat”
- Spain – Soleá – “Palante”
- Ukraine – Oleksandr Balabanov – “Vidkryvai”
Karina Ignatyan represented Armenia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Gliwice with “Colours of Your Dream”. She finished 9th with 115 points.
Update: 13:41 CET
Image Source: Thomas Hanses / Source: junioreurovision.tv
Armenia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Armenia debuted in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, and have had 13 entries to date. The country is one of the most successful in the history of the contest, placing in the top 3 on 7 occasions, and winning once in 2010. Their victory came from Vladimir Arzumanyan with his song “Mama”, which received 120 points. Armenia then went on to host the contest on home soil in Yerevan in 2011. Their debut was almost as successful, as Arevik and their song “Erazanq” was just 1 point off the winning score.
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