Simón

Early Life and Influences

Simón (born Simon Hovhannisyan) is an Armenian singer and performer, born on 9 August 1994 in Hrazdan, Armenia. He grew up in a family of doctors, but he showed a passion for music and dance from an early age. As a child, he loved to sing and learned to dance. One of his biggest inspirations was Michael Jackson. This early influence encouraged Simón to develop an energetic performance style. He started practicing music in his youth and dreamed of becoming a professional singer. By his late teens and early twenties, he was already performing locally and sharing music online. His early dedication and clear love for performing laid the groundwork for his future music career.

Career Beginnings and Performances

Simón began performing in the entertainment scene of Yerevan. In recent years, he was a featured singer and dancer at a popular Yerevan live show venue, Coba Yerevan. There he wowed audiences with his energetic dance moves and strong vocals. These regular performances helped him gain experience and recognition in the Armenian music scene. Simón is known not only for his singing but also for his dancing and showmanship on stage. His style blends pop music with lively choreography, making his shows very dynamic. In 2021, he started uploading music content on YouTube and social media. These early performances and online videos helped Simón refine his craft and prepared him for larger competitions ahead.

Breakthrough at Depi Evratesil 2025

Simón’s first big breakthrough came in 2025 when he entered Depi Evratesil 2025, Armenia’s national selection contest for Eurovision. He competed with an up-tempo song called “Ay Paparey Bye.” The contest jury (both Armenian and international) awarded him the top votes, but he finished second overall after the public televote. Later in 2025, Simón also served as one of the five Armenian jury members for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, showing that he was respected in the music community. Following Depi Evratesil, he released more music, including the single “Paranoia” in 2025, further showcasing his pop style. His strong showing in the competition and subsequent projects established Simón as a rising star in Armenia.

Notable Songs and Musical Style

Throughout his career so far, Simón has released a few notable songs that define his musical style. “Ay Paparey Bye” (2025) was the song that introduced him to a broad audience during Depi Evratesil. The song is a catchy pop tune with folk influences and lively beats, allowing Simón to combine singing with dance in his performance. After that, he released “Paranoia” (2025) as a follow-up single, experimenting with contemporary pop sounds and personal lyrics. By 2026, Simón’s music style can be described as upbeat Armenian pop with international flair. He often incorporates dance rhythms and dramatic stage presentations. His background in dance gives him an edge in creating memorable live performances. Despite being relatively new in the industry, Simón has already developed a signature style that blends music and dance.

Eurovision 2026: Road to Vienna

In March 2026, Simón was internally selected by Armenia’s Public Television Company to represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. The broadcaster chose him due to the singer’s experience and continuous artistic development since his last Eurovision attempt. His Eurovision entry is titled “Paloma Rumba,” a vibrant song released in March 2026. “Paloma Rumba” is described as a rebellious anthem about breaking free from the boredom of daily routine and chasing one’s dreams. The title means “Dance of the Dove,” symbolizing a joyful dance of freedom.

The song’s music was composed by Lilit Navasardyan, and the lyrics were co-written by Rosa Linn (who represented Armenia in 2022) along with David Tserunyan and Eva Voskanyan. This collaboration brought together experienced Armenian songwriters to create a catchy and meaningful track. The music video for “Paloma Rumba” even nods to Simón’s journey. It shows him leaving a dull office job to pursue his true passion on stage. Fans greeted the song with excitement, and many praised Simón’s high-energy style. As the Armenian representative, Simón will perform “Paloma Rumba” in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026 on 14 May 2026. 

Personal Life

Outside of music, Simón leads a family life. He is married to Anush Avagyan, who also works as his producer. Together they have twin sons. Balancing his rising music career and family, Simón often credits his family for their support. He has kept his personal life mostly private, but he occasionally shares gratitude to his wife for helping manage his career. Simón’s journey from a small city upbringing in Hrazdan to the big stage of Eurovision is a testament to his hard work and passion. He remains humble about his success and often encourages young artists to follow their dreams. With his Eurovision 2026 participation, Simón is set to reach a wider audience, all while carrying the support of his family and nation. His story highlights how dedication and talent, combined with support from loved ones, can lead to the fulfillment of lifelong dreams.