Armenia withdraws from Eurovision, Greek-Armenian singer misses opportunity again

Armenia has withdrawn from this years Eurovision competition, meaning Greek-Armenian Athena Manoukian, for the second year in a row, will not participate in the singing competition.

AMPTV said: "After careful and detailed discussions, the Public Television Company of Armenia has decided to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.

The television station considered that "the shortness of production time as well as other objective reasons [...] make the proper participation of Armenia at ESC 2021 impossible."

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said:

"The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) community is deeply sorry that AMPTV has decided to withdraw from participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

"Armenia have a great record at the Eurovision Song Contest and always bring excitement and quality performances to the stage.

"We understand the reasons for their withdrawal and we will miss their hard working and professional delegation in Rotterdam.

"We very much hope to welcome Armenia back in 2022."

Manoukian, who was born in Athens, will once again miss out on participating in Eurovision as last year's event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 26-year-old was expected to perform her song "Chains On You."

In 2018, Manoukian performed on The X Factor UK and impressed Ayda Field, Robbie Willians, Louis Tomlinson and most impressively, even Simon Cowell.

Earlier this year, she released the single "You Should Know."

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