Not only do Armenians take Eurovision seriously, they take their chess seriously, as evidenced by their win at the 2011 World Chess Team Championships.
I have to admit that one of the most disappointing things about this year's contest is the fact that Armenia isn't participating this year.
It's understandable, since the two countries have been at a very uneasy peace after the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh War. The war was over the Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh, withic lasted from 1991 to 1994. The region is internationally considered part of Azerbaijan, but with an Armenian-backed de facto state in control of the region and the conflict has kept the region unstable since and has consistently spilled over into the Eurovision Song Contest.
But you're not here to get a history lesson, you're here for the music.
Armenia started participating in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2006, when APMTV, the Armenian national broadcaster, became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union. And like many of the former Soviet Republics, Armenia has taken the Eurovision Song Contest very seriously, with all but one of their entrants making the finals. That's not something to be sneezed at.
the Worst
Good grief. Even "the worst" for Armenia is pretty darn good.
Emmy "Boom Boom" 2011
I don't dislike this song one bit--it was my guilty pleasure song of last year's contest, but no matter how much charm and stage presence Emmy had or how entertaining the dancers were, the vocals are tantamount. Emmy didn't have the voice to pull it off and by the end of the song, all the singers were off key.
Although I have all the goodwill towards this song, it sadly didn't succeed and it's the reason I had to rank it the worst.
the Best
This one is a no-brainer.
Inga and Anush "Jan Jan" 2009
Why yes, Inga and Anush, I am "dancing nor par". I've been "dancing nor par" ever since I listened to this song last because I can't get the darn thing out of my head.
The eastern exoticism with the costumes of the singers and dancers, the fun lighting on the stage in Moscow and their near pitch perfect performance, well, this stands out of the six really good performances by Armenian entrants.
And for those who are really interested in my full rankings:
1. Inga and Anush "Jan Jan" 2009
2. Sirusho "Qélé Qélé" 2008 Great singer, not enough charisma to take it over the top.
3. Hayko "Anytime You Need" 2007 Another good singer, he just needs to learn where to hold the mike.
4. Eva Rivas "Apricot Stone" 2010 They started with a close-up of her boobs. Enough said.
5. André "Without Your Love" 2006 A pastiche of prior years winners, but still entertaining.
6. Emmy "Boom Boom" 2011
The difference between the six are very small; Armenia sends quality acts. I wish they were going to send a song to Baku. But there's always next year...
And click here if you want to listen to the songs yourself and let me know who you think is best and worst.
Next up, Austria.
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