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William from Wiwibloggs about Depi Evratesil, Sevak's victory and his impressions from Armenia (photos)

12:08, March 1

Depi Evratesil is over but Sevak's victory and other favorites are still in the spot of Armenian fans. This year's contest was also fully covered by the Eurovision famous Wiwibloggs due to which famous blogger William Lee Adams had arrived to Armenia. Although he didn't spend much time here, he has managed to make a lot of friends and visit some picturesque places in Armenia.

NEWS.am STYLE has had an interesting interview with William, during which we spoke about the contest, its results and not only…

So, the blogger thinks Depi Evratesil has improved much in just one year.

«The new format — with artists singing original songs rather than covers — allows you to choose your favourite from the very beginning. It's often very difficult to know if a singer can bring something new to Eurovision if they are just covering Whitney Houston and Rihanna!

The new format also helps distinguish the show from other programms, like The Voice and X Factor. Those shows seem to rely on the judges and their personalities to keep people interested, since listening to covers can become a little tiresome and boring. But Depi Evratesil is all about the original songs and the performers. It celebrates originality and new music, and keeps the focus on the performers.

I also think that the stage looked lovely. The lights that run along the runways has become the Depi Evratesil signature. I hope the design continues in the years ahead!».

In terms of the results, according to William Armenia chose the best song and act for Eurovision.

«Sevak has a voice that will wow both the televoters and the jury. And on top of this he will become the very first singer to sing 100% in the beautiful Armenian language. It's great that he can honour his country in this way. Many readers on our web site have made comments like, "Armenian sounds so beautiful! Why don't they sing in Armenian every year?" and "What took so long to have a song fully in Armenian? This is great." The use of Armenian works so well with the style and music of his song.

I also think that his staging was very tasteful — it balanced simplicity and fireworks perfectly. The song is calm and somewhat subtle for two minutes, but then the song and stage explode. I have that balance».

However, William has had other favorites as well.

«Kamil Show is the personality of the year. He was a spark of energy and humour that really stood out. His character shined on stage, but also off — on social media, in newspaper interviews, and even in the green room where he stayed in character and made all of the other acts laugh. When Mger Armenia sang Forever,  Kamil stood on the couch with an iPhone on his stomach, as if he was the pregnant dancer. It was so funny! During the actual show, he generated the most discussion on social media among international fans, who either loved him or hating him, but definitely could not ignore him. His interview with us in Yerevan may be the funniest interview we have ever published. He is on another level!

I think it's very important to mention that he came second with the televoters. It shows that Armenians are very open to new styles and interesting characters. It is not only a nation that celebrates traditional music and personalities. I hope we see Kamil — and his amazing backing vocalists — back in the competition in the years ahead.

Nemra band grew a lot from the studio version to the live version. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the studio version. But the lead singer is very charming and quirky — when he sings it live the song comes to life. I also think they look good together. As two sets of siblings, the group just seems to fit with each other. Their close bond and relationship comes through really well.

I like Robert and Mger as performers — they are very talented — though their songs were not my favourites. Interestingly, I keep humming the chorus to both of their songs! So I suppose they and their songwriters are quite smart and know how to get under your skin».

And what if Armenia wins Eurovision? Will we be able to host the Contest in our country. The blogger thinks in a very positive way.

«I think that Armenia would be able to organize an amazing show. Given how prestigious the event is in your country, I could see wealthy families and oligarchs fighting to build a massive brand new arena!

But Eurovision isn't just about the venue or concert hall. It's also about the people. Armenians are, without question, among the most passionate Eurovision fans in the world. I was touched by how much enthusiasm people showed for the contest. The Expo Centre wasn't the largest setting I've ever been to, but it was a cauldron of energy and excitement. If you were to host I imagine tens of thousands of Armenians would volunteer and show foreigners their famous hospitality.

And I have to say that the team at AMPTV would throw all of themselves into it. Everyone I met at Depi Evratesil — from public relations team to the director to the host and producers — was fully committed to make a fantastic show. Armenia builds its programmes on love in a way other countries do not».

Besides Depi Evratesil, William also spent his time exploring Armenians and Armenia. And he is very impressed by Yerevan.

«The first point I have to emphasize is that Armenians are the most hospitable I have ever met. In the United Kingdom everyone is polite, but perhaps a little cold. In Armenia people are polite but also warm. They seem genuinely interested in foreigners — and in sharing Armenian culture, customs and language with them. It's a big difference from other countries I have visited for Eurovision. In other countries people sometimes see tourists as a burden. But in Armenia I feel like people celebrate visitors. It's so lovely. I made some wonderful friends who I hope to see again in the future.

Yerevan seems like a very livable city. You have access to a variety of restaurants and a variety of prices, and there are wonderful public spaces like Cascade and Swan Lake where you can relax and unwind. The city also seems very walkable and pedestrian friendly, at least in the centre. I also felt very safe walking around by myself, even at night».

The blogger has also been to some famous places in Armenia.

«Garni felt so ancient and pure — it was like a scene from a beautiful movie. The temple was stunning, of course. But I also loved just standing beside the cliff and feeling the wind and looking at the nearby houses.

After Garni we went to Geghard Monastery. I have three favourite memories here. One is the church itself, where we lit bright yellow candles. The church was very dark and unlit, and it made it feel more spiritual and holy. Plus there was some very ancient Armenian architecture in the vaulted ceiling / dome.

My second memory is of another church room that was never renovated and was just sitting inside the cave. It even had a hole in the floor. It felt like we were in another time. My third is drinking the water from one of the church water fountains. Everyone tells me that Armenia has some of the purest water in the world. At Geghard it seemed extra cold and extra special. Perhaps I will live a few years longer now that I have drunk from the well».

Syune Arakelyan

Photos by William Lee Adams


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