Armenia 2026: Simon with 'Paloma Rumba'
Not many left of these reviews I think (and hope!) with Armenia the penultimate act from semi two to have a look at:
Armenia's entrant of Simon was (Paloma) rumbled when filming began of the music video, presumably because there seems to be only one warehouse available in Yerevan and hanging outside there in February to March will get you ahead of the announcement.
Armenia are also repeating the trick of Cyprus a decade ago in hosting one national final and then just going through the runners up for subsequent years although seeing poor Athena Manoukian is next on the list this might be a one time thing. As a result we've seen Simon perform live in a competitive environment with something similar and delving deeper into him is unnecessary to see his talents are mainly as a dancer/performer and not a singer.
'Paloma Rumba' is a chaotic song that doesn't reach the heights of the "it's crazy, it's party" vibe it's trying to. I've found fan sentiment with these songs is actually a pretty good barometer to where this super wide genre of "fun guys" rank in the pecking order and this one is definitely residing in the lower tier and behind Greece and Moldova, although neither of those are in its semi final.
This is a tough one to call in that semi final, potentially fairly comfortable given Armenia typically have good support but also an entry struggling to make a jury top 10. Personally, and I know mileage will differ on this but if we are to get a Televote save I think it will be Romania and Bulgaria also does the upbeat nonsense better and both have more natural ways for the jury to come on board.
Staging could make a big difference here with clear opportunities for live elevation so long as Simon can make it through the rap with enough energy and breath left. Armenia generally know what they are doing. Borderline for now with me leaning out if forced to choose.
Personal Rating: 11/20
Televote Potential: 13/20
Jury Potential: 8/20
Staging Potential: 16/20
Track Record: 14/20
Overall Rating: 62/100
Early Prediction: Semi Two 9th-13th, 18th-22nd if in the final.
Volatility Factor 3/5 - My current guess feels on the low end of the overall range which could see the Televote come on board if the performance is strong. Jurors unlikely to find much to reward and no realistic ‘favourite inflation’ needed for this.