Now Eurovision 2026 is firmly behind us and we’ve had a chance to properly digest the wild ride of Vienna, it’s now time to discuss What Went Wrong. We’ve all had a chance to mull over the results of the contest. The Eurovision 2026 final saw some very dramatic results, but 10 acts did not get a chance to see that.
In our fourth part Tom, Rory, and Molly discuss what went wrong with Armenia.
Who is SIMÓN?
“SIMÓN is the stage name of Simon Hovhannisyan, a singer-songwriter born in the Armenian town of Hrazdan. His passion for performing began at an early age, after he was inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson. He initially graduated with a degree in economics, but ultimately pursued a career in music and performing. He is now one of the most well-known dancers in the Armenian showbusiness scene. He has already dabbled in the Eurovision world, having finished second behind PARG at Depi Evratesil in 2025, only to return as an internally selected act for Armenia in 2026.
His song for Eurovision – “”Paloma Rumba”” – was written by former Eurovision alum Rosa Linn, as well as Lilit Navasardyan, Eva Voskanyan and Armenian Head of Delegation David Tserunyan.”
What are the issues with the selection?
Tom: This wasn’t even Simón’s best attempt, it just wasn’t meant to be. I think the studio track was decent, I think the video was good, I liked the staging. This just didn’t come together for me. Simón is a great performer (and an absolutely beautiful man), but his 2025 Depi Evratesil entry was more impressive for me. I’d like to see Armenia use the national final again, and not just internally select someone who did well, but didn’t win a national final the year before.
Rory: What I didn’t understand about Armenia’s approach to Eurovision this year was that it felt like they had been completely forgetting to do anything. No official confirmation of participation until the list came out. The last act and penultimate song to be released from the bunch. It felt like they left it to the last second. That strategy is not going to win you a Eurovision trophy. Also, why go back to the internal selection, when there was plenty of interest in Depi Evratesil last year? Strange decisions being made.
Molly: The tease of an Iveta Mukuchchyan return in the music video opening was a bad move to introduce Simón; a lot of sighs were heard when the music video premiered. Their prior internal selections had been strong, producing a Top 10 finish with Ladaniva, a streaming titan with Rosa Linn and a personal favourite with Brunette, so this should’ve been a hit, but it felt lazy? I am glad they didn’t return to the national selection format, but choosing the 2nd place from that national final was a choice to be sure.
Was the song and act good enough to be in Eurovision?
Tom: Yeah, maybe, but not in 2026. I preferred “Ay Paparey Bye”, but I think even that would struggle in the context of the Vienna Contest. However, the video for this was incredible. And there was some real potential with Simón as a performer. He has so much energy and is captivating on stage. This just felt like it fell slightly more on the side of chaos and a 3 minute assault, than energy and drama.
Rory: SIMÓN definitely has the energy for Eurovision, and it’s clear he wanted to be on the stage really badly. The song itself does scream Eurovision in the sense it’s bombastic, in your face and makes it mark. But a struggle for many would have been the lyrics and the lack of diction. I still can’t tell you what most of the lyrics are – and it’s been three months since the show. There were some great ideas, but the whole is not the same as the sum of the parts.
Molly: Simón’s passion for dance and performance is evident, but the song doesn’t fully connect with him as a performer. The incredibly late drop of the song, combined with the late artist announcement, never allowed the song time to breathe and find its audience. It promises chaos, creativity, and the beauty of freedom from an office life (strange this happened twice in one year), but this chaos feels like it was withheld until the end. The pieces were there, but I don’t believe it was executed to its fullest potential.
Did the staging compliment the song and stand out?
Tom: I enjoyed the staging. Simón is a great dancer and performer. I wasn’t too keen on the graphic choices, but it did what it had to do. The most memorable moments of the performance were the moments in the lift prop, as well as the chaotic dancing. I think bringing in slightly more of the video would have been an improvement. It stood out in the running order spot it was given, but I’m not sure for the right reasons.
Rory: In a word, no. It was incredibly confusing, and left me scratching my head as to why they did certain actions. I understand the concept was to beat the mundane 9-5 worklife… but running into a wall of boxes, and it not even looking that strong? Their visual concept was a lot stronger in the music video. I appreciate the risk they took in changing up the staging, which is something other nations seem to struggle with (*ahem* Sweden *ahem*).
Molly: To give credit, the opening shot was a strong first impression. The choreography was tight, and the use of the elevator was so unique that I can’t criticise it. However, the Vienna camera angles decided that this choreography should be viewed from the back of the arena most of the time?? The staging falls flat in the middle, feeling quite bare, and the screen of just “Paloma Rumba” is a strange choice. Whenever Simón’s dance ability is put on full display, it is amazing, but the middle part drags it down.
Could this song have qualified if changes were made?
Tom: It’s possible. Did I want it to? Maybe… but also, i’m not sure what I would replace it with. For me, semifinal 2 had so many performances that were borderline qualifiers so it was a battle to compete.
Rory: I do think that this could have had an opportunity to qualify, but it would have been fighting an uphill battle. It was clear to see that SIMÓN’s passion is in dancing, so something that meant SIMÓN didn’t have to handle all the singing might have been better. But on the other hand, was most of the dancing needed? Turning himself upside down in the elevator was just chaos for the sake of it. It would have made more sense to play to his strengths and do choreo when it had more impact. Of course, this is all ifs and buts, but at least it wasn’t dead on arrival.
Molly: I feel a different type of song would’ve been a better fit for Armenia to secure their qualification. The talent was there but wasn’t fully expressed, feeling held back at times. A stronger song with dance as the main focus could’ve been a better fit for the artist they chose. Also, a more personal take, a stronger Armenian influence may have helped the song stand out more in the strong lineup of Semi 2. Perhaps having more time to appreciate the song would’ve helped gain its audience, but it never truly had a chance to shine.
What are our outlooks for future contests?
Tom: Let’s go back to basics Armenia. I want to have the “Jan Jan”, “Apricot Stone” or “Jako” vibe again. I like the authenticity of all three of these. “Paloma Rumba” could have been sent by almost any nation, there is nothing that screams Armenia to me here. So let’s get that vibe back. In general, I adore Armenia in Eurovision and usually find myself rooting for them to place highly. But I’m always going to prefer the authentic, folky, Armenian sound to a more generic song (saying that, if Athena Manoukin wants to return with a girl-bop, I’ll make an exception to that rule). I’d love to see Depi Evratesil return for 2027, with a touch more professionalism and polish put into the production.
Rory: Going forward, I am BEGGING AMPTV to bring back Depi Evratesil. It was clear from the domestic and international reaction that the national final was a clear way forward. But it seemed that this year was Armenia just going through the motions. If Armenia wants a shot at the trophy like it did in 2024, release information earlier. Announce a selection, or if you’re going internal, announce the act early – let it drum up some hype! Hype has worked for some of their biggest names like Iveta, Aram Mp3 and Sirusho. Lean into it again!
Molly: This result should be treated as just a small setback, nothing more and nothing less. Internals have been consistently strong for Armenia, so they shouldn’t swap back due to this one result. They have strong artists within the country and should continue what they have been doing. Also, AMPTV, I know you can just call up Iveta, so maybe do it again but make her the main focus? Please and thank you?
Watch the accompanying discussion video here:
Armenia’s Eurovision Journey
In 2006, Armenia made their debut into the Eurovision Song Contest, where André represented the nation with his entry “Without Your Love”, placing 8th overall. Since their debut, Armenia has participated 16 times, 13 of which saw them make the Grand Final. Their best result, in 2008 and 2014, was 4th place; in 2008, Sirusho and “Qélé Qélé”, and in 2014, Aram MP3 with “Not Alone”.
In 2026, SIMÓN represented Armenia with his song “Paloma Rumba”. He would fail to qualify for the final in Vienna, ultimately finishing in 14th place in the semi-final with 49 points. Of these, 30 came from the jury, whilst the remaining 19 came from the televote.
What do think about our thoughts? Do you think Armenia could have qualified? Let us know in the comments or on social media! Be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2027!
Source: That Eurovision Site
Image Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU