The Eurovision Song Contest is heading toward its 70th edition, which will take place in Vienna (Austria) on May 12, 14, and 16 at the Wiener Stadthalle.
Armenia does not miss its annual appointment with the Eurovision Song Contest. On this occasion, it has once again internally selected its representative. The lucky artist is SIMÓN, who in 2025 came very close to stepping onto the Eurovision stage. He will defend the colors of the Caucasian country with the song “Paloma Rumba”.
How did he make it to Eurovision? What experience does he have in the music world? How is he preparing his entry with which he will compete in Vienna 2026?
In this edition, we take a look at SIMÓN’s musical career, the context of his candidacy, and his song. Armenia’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will try to take his country back to the grand final with “Paloma Rumba,” in what will be Armenia’s 19th participation in the European contest.
This is SIMÓN, a passion for music on stage
SIMÓN, stage name of Simon Hovhannisyan, was born on August 9, 1994, in Hrazdan. Raised in a family of doctors, he showed a strong inclination toward music, dance, and acting from a very young age, to the point that his surroundings joked that he learned to sing and dance before he learned to speak. His main inspiration has been Michael Jackson, whose influence is evident in his stage and artistic style.
Although he studied Economics at the Armenian National Agrarian University, he soon decided to focus on his true vocation. His first media appearance came in 2012 when he participated in Parir, T’e Karogh Es, the local version of So You Think You Can Dance. This experience marked the beginning of his career as a dancer, eventually becoming one of the most recognized in the country.
Over time, he shifted his career toward music, standing out as a lead artist in live venues in Yerevan, where he combined his powerful voice with dynamic choreography. In 2021 he launched his YouTube channel, debuting with a cover of “Legendary,” where he already showcased his visual and stage-oriented approach.
At the same time, he was part of the Anahit Simon Live Band project alongside Anahit Hakobyan, performing covers of international hits in renowned venues such as Club12 Yerevan. His official solo debut came in 2025 with “Ay Paparey Bye,” a song with which he competed in Depi Evratesil 2025, finishing in second place.
That same year he released “Paranoia,” consolidating his musical identity based on the fusion of contemporary pop with Armenian influences and folk elements. His artistic proposal stands out for the combination of music and dance, creating high-energy performances.
In 2026 he was internally selected to represent Armenia at Eurovision with “Paloma Rumba,” thus fulfilling one of his biggest dreams. He also received the “Breakthrough of the Year” award at the Khazer Awards.
This is “Paloma Rumba” SIMÓN’s entry to represent Armenia at Eurovision 2026
SIMÓN will represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with “Paloma Rumba,” a song in English with small nods in Spanish, which has been composed by Lilit Navasardyan “LI’LITH” together with Rosa Linn, Armenia’s representative in Turin 2022, David Tserunyan, and Eva Voskanyan. Meanwhile, Thomas “Plec” Johansson from Panic Room and Thomas G:son participated in the production and mastering.
SIMÓN’s song uses the dove as a symbolic device to present his rebellious spirit, with which he seeks to free himself from bonds and suffocating routine, fighting for his dreams.
Lyrics
English
Pa-la-la-la-la,
La-la-la-la-la,
Pa-la-la-la-la-la!
Same old place, familiar faces,
Copy paste my days (put on a smile and go on!).
One last round of kissing the ground
And then I’ll be gone for good!
Paloma Rumba, let’s go!
Delete my number. burn the phone!
Take my chance to finally dance
Away from all the anger.
Too much sweat and tears and regrets,
‘Cause I don’t wanna talk about numbers all day long!
Paloma Rumba, let’s go!
Delete my number, burn the phone!
I’m not a machine,
Just stuck on a wage,
In a rage, as a cage,
With a badge, oh no!
Can’t take no more,
Take no more,
I’m done for sure, yeah!
I’m not a robot,
Just playing the part,
And I’m losing my heart,
I’m falling apart,
So watch me go,
Steal the show,
Like a pro, yeah!
This meeting could have been an email,
Free coffee won’t keep me here man!
Can’t do this anymore,
Already at the door!
Paloma Rumba, let’s go!
Rock this! Rock this!
Delete my number, burn the phone!
Rock this! Rock this!
You ole-ole-ole-ole-fa, Paloma Rumba!
You ole-ole-ole-ole-fa, Paloma Rumba!
You ole-ole-ole-ole-fa, Paloma Rumba!
You ole-ole-ole-ole-fa, Paloma Rumba!
Are you ready?
Pa-la-la-la-la,
La-la-la-la-la,
Pa-la-la-la-la-la!
Go! One more time!
Armenia at Eurovision: A Quick History
Armenia debuted in Eurovision in 2006 with André and the song “Without Your Love,” beginning a notable trajectory in its early years within the contest. In 2008 and 2014 it achieved its best results by reaching fourth place with Sirusho and Aram Mp3 respectively. Throughout its participation, it has opted for modern entries and a recognizable musical identity.
In 2022, Rosa Linn finished twentieth with “Snap,” although the song gained significant international success after the festival. In recent years it has alternated between qualifications and eliminations. In 2025, PARG represented the country with “SURVIVOR” and finished in twentieth place in the grand final of the European contest.