Moments ago, it was announced that Armenia will not be taking part in this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Warsaw. This means 12 countries will now take part in the contest on 29 November.
The news of Armenia’s withdrawal comes just weeks before this year’s contest, with many countries already recording their performances in advance.
‘Unable to complete proper preperations’
According to Eurovision.tv, Armenia have withdrawn from the contest because its broadcaster AMPTV have been ‘unable to complete proper preparations for JESC 2020’. The country has recently introduced martial law, due to the ongoing conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Making a statement this morning, Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl has 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.
– Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Armenia in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019
Last year in Gliwice, Karina Ignatyan represented Armenia at the contest with “Colours of Your Dream”. They finished in ninth place – their joint lowest ever result at the contest.
From a usually successful country, the past two results – both ninth-place finishes – have come as a surprise. In the past, they have finished in the top three seven times – including one win in 2010.
Are you going to miss Armenia at this year’s Junior Eurovision? Do you hope to see them back next year?
Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.
Armenia will return to JESC in 2021:
Make no mistake, we will come back, stronger than ever. – David Tserunyan, Armenian head of delegation on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHNO38ws-9O/