Armenia's Representative for Eurovision 2026
Singer Simón, whose real name is Simon Hovhannisyan, will represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna with the song 'Paloma Rumba'. The Armenian broadcaster AMPTV confirmed his participation on March 11, 2026, two days after the initial report by the Armenian publication Hraparak on March 9. Armenia has a strong history at Eurovision, often finishing in the top ten.
Simón placed second in the national selection, Depi Evratesil 2025, where he won the combined vote of the Armenian and international juries but ultimately finished runner-up to the winner, Parg, on total points. His involvement in the country's music scene is well-established, as he previously served on the Armenian jury panel for the Eurovision contest held in Switzerland.
About the Contest Song
The entry Simón will perform at Eurovision is titled 'Paloma Rumba'. It was created by an international songwriting team that includes Rosa Linn, who represented Armenia at Eurovision 2022 with her global hit 'Snap'. Other contributors to the song are:
- Lilit Navasardyan
- David Tserunyan
- Eva Voskanyan
Simón has built a local fanbase through regular performances at the Coba Yerevan venue. His participation in Eurovision 2026 is anticipated to be a significant moment for Armenian music, potentially boosting international interest in the country's cultural output.
Simón's performance at Eurovision 2026 highlights the growing global recognition of Armenia's music industry. The song 'Paloma Rumba', crafted with input from established songwriters, could help the Armenian artist not only represent his nation but also attract a wider international audience.
The Eurovision Song Contest serves as a major platform for promoting Armenian culture and arts, and it fosters cultural exchange among the participating nations.