Armenia pulls out of Eurovision 2021

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 29m

Armenia decides to pull out of this year's Eurovision due to the challenging circumstances of the show.

Armenia has decided to pull out of Eurovision due to the extra complications surrounding this year's event.

Organisers are planning to stage the contest as a live event, with all performers present in person in Rotterdam, in May despite the ongoing problems posed by coronavirus.

As part of contingency planning, however, each country has been required to pre-record a performance that could in theory be played out on the night instead should circumstances change.

Armenian public broadcaster AMPTV said in a statement: "After careful and detailed discussions, the Public Television Company of Armenia has decided to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, considering the latest events, the shortness of production time as well as other objective reasons that make the proper participation of Armenia at ESC 2021 impossible."

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision's executive supervisor, said of the news: "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."

Armenia first competed at Eurovision in 2006 and has managed a best finish of fourth place in 2008 and 2014.