Eurovision 2009 - Yerevan, Armenia (!): Go Sirusho! Go Armenia!

I’d love to see Eurovision 2009 in Yerevan, Armenia. For few weeks, Yerevan would become a gay capital of Europe. (Average Armenian perhaps not that aware that one of the most active and influential supporters and fans of the Eurovision song contest are LGBT communities in the continent) For several months at least, Armenia would be in headlines all over the Europe, and its record on gay rights and equality would be scrutinised as never before. And not only gay rights, but human rights in general. Yes, it may sound superficial at first glance, but let’s keep this in mind and reflect it when (if) day comes. Besides, holding Europe-wide event such as Eurovision would be a great exposure to different cultures and free spirit. It would be invaluable to boost tourism in Armenia. And it would be a great fun and celebration of pop music!

And after all, we have our best entry (to date) in Eurovision, and Sirusho is one of the top favourites in online polls and betting agencies, although this may have unexpected side effects too:

Eurovision.tv: At this moment, Armenia is one of the favourites with the bookmakers. Does this fact put some extra pressure on you, or does it make you more confident?

Sirusho: "I don't even want to think about that, because I remember something that happened in 2006: Kate Ryan was leading according to many predictions and odds, but in the end, she didn't even qualify for the final. I don't know what happened - maybe nobody voted for her because everyone thought she would make it to the final anyway? She had a great song, and she had all that the Eurovision Song Contest actually needs. That's why I don't even want to think about that."

My main problem with Sirusho’s performance is that dancing or show part. I am not satisfied with the way it looked during rehearsals. Not that I am against three-male dance show, quite the contrary, but it does not look coherent to me, it does look somehow separate from Sirusho’s performance, and not very impressive on the TV screen. With that song we could have staged much better show than the one I witnessed over rehearsals. That famous Russian who was hired to stage Armenian show did not deliver my expectations, as well as many others'. Let’s hope that during the semi-final it will look different, and camera work will be able to catch Sirusho’s performance at its best.

Other than that, I think vocally Sirusho is doing a great job and on the stage she looks stunning. Fingers crossed for her! Go Sirusho! Go Armenia!

*source of photo - eurovision.tv