Armenia: APMTV confirms SIMÓN for Eurovision 2026

• The Armenian national broadcaster have announced SIMÓN for Eurovision 2026 to sing Paloma rumba on stage in Vienna. 

  After weeks of speculations and rumors, the word is out and Armenia have confirmed SIMÓN as the nation's hopeful at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. 

  SIMÓN  was internally selected and will be singing Paloma rumba the officail video of which was also released today. The track is a high-energy pop anthem about breaking free from routine and following your dreams, symbolized by the idea of a “dove’s dance.” Simón has cited Michael Jackson as one of his biggest inspirations, influencing his love for performance, dancing, and bold stage visuals.

   

  A few words for Simon

  Simón, whose real name is Simon Hovhannisyan, is an Armenian singer and songwriter born on 30 August 1995 in Hrazdan, Armenia. He began gaining attention in the Armenian music scene in the mid-2020s and is known for his energetic stage presence, dance-influenced pop style, and dramatic performances.

  In 2025 he competed in the Armenian national selection for Eurovision, Depi Evratesil 2025, with the song “Ay Paparey Bye,” where he won the jury vote but finished second overall after the televote. Following this success, Armenia’s broadcaster AMPTV internally selected him to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

   

  Armenia in Eurovision 

  Armenia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 17 times since making its debut in 2006, when André became the first participant representing Armenia and was the first singer from the Caucasus region to compete at Eurovision.

  Armenia has reached the top 10 on eight occasions, with the country's best result in the contest being two fourth-place finishes; achieved by Sirusho with the song "Qélé, Qélé" (2008), and Aram Mp3 with "Not Alone" (2014). 2011 was the first year that Armenia failed to advance from the semi-final round.

  This was followed by the country withdrawing from the 2012 contest due to security concerns in the host city, Baku. In 2018 and 2019, Armenia consecutively failed to qualify from the semi-finals for the second and third time respectively.

  Last year Parg repesented the country singing 'Survivor' which came 20th in the final. This year SIMON wiil be competing in the first half of the 2nd semi-final on May 14, 2026. 

   

  News Source: APMTV

  Cover photo: Music Video of Paloma Rumba

   

   

AUTHORS

Angelos D.
Loyal follower of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1987, I've made the competition one of the stories of my life. After attending as accredited press the event for 13 consecutive years along with the 2017-2024 JESC editions, I also enjoy the last three years sharing more Eurovision music through the Eurofans radio's project.