"We are currently working on four songs," Mnatsakanyan said to Eurovision.tv. Shirusho is writing the lyrics for the four compositions herself. The young singer - she was born in 1987 - released her first album when she was 12. She has given concerts across Europe, in Canada, the United States and in the Middle-East. Currently, the 19-year old pop star is studying Diplomacy at the Yerevan State University.
Mnatsakanyan herself seems to be looking forward to the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest and "can't wait" to select the song for Belgrade. But first, the Armenian public broadcaster has two other major events to deal with. On the 10th of February, the National Music Awards will take place. Armenia's Eurovision Song Contest participant will "certainly" take part in the event. On the 19th, the country will elect a new President, which the Armenian broadcaster covers intensively.
Last week, the Azerbaijani news portal Today.Az reported that Sirusho would represent Armenia at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with a mix of famous traditional Azerbaijani folk songs. The story caused confusion in Azerbaijan and a petition was organized to express concern regarding the matter. However, ARMTV states the song referred to was never meant to be entered for the competition, as it has been performed in 2005 and thus could not even take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. The rules of the contest state that songs should not be publically performed or released before the 1st of October, 2007. "No song has been selected yet and we are planning to hold our national final no later than the 8th of March," the Armenian Head of Delegation re-confirms.
Armenia debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 and finished 8th both in 2006 as well as in 2007.
