Sirusho
Who was Sirusho?
Pop singer who represented Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with "Qele, Qele" and is known for blending traditional Armenian music with contemporary pop.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Sirusho (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Siranush Hrachyayi Harutyunyan, better known as Sirusho, was born on January 7, 1987, in Yerevan, Armenia. She showed a remarkable musical gift early on, winning her first award at nine for her song "Lusabats." This recognition marked the start of a successful career in Armenian popular music. Sirusho attended Yerevan State University, juggling her studies with her rising presence in the entertainment world.
Sirusho's recording career took off with her self-titled debut album in 2000, at just thirteen. Her second album, "Sheram," released in 2005, solidified her place in Armenian music. That same year, she won several awards at the first Armenian National Music Awards, including Future of Armenian Music, Best Album, and Best Female Performer, affirming her as a leading young artist in Armenia.
Her international breakthrough came in 2008 when she represented Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, Serbia, with her co-written song "Qélé, Qélé." The performance was a big hit, finishing fourth and gaining popularity throughout Europe. The BBC even called her a "national treasure" during the contest. This exposure boosted her recognition beyond Armenia, showcasing her unique mix of traditional Armenian and modern pop music to a global audience.
Outside of music, Sirusho has explored fashion and business. In 2012, she released the single "PreGomesh," which led to her launching a line of handmade silver jewelry under the same name. This venture combines Armenian culture and modern fashion. Her artistic contributions have earned her significant achievements, including being the first Armenian artist nominated twice at the World Music Awards for "PreGomesh." In 2013, W magazine listed her among "6 un-American idols," pointing to her potential to introduce Western audiences to new sounds and languages. Her impact on Armenian culture and music was formally recognized in 2017 when President Serzh Sargsyan named her an Honored Artist of Armenia.
Before Fame
Growing up in post-Soviet Armenia during the 1990s, Sirusho experienced the cultural revival that followed the country's independence in 1991. During this time, there was renewed interest in Armenian culture and art, making it a great time for young talents like Sirusho to emerge. She got early recognition at age nine with "Lusabats," during a period when Armenia was rebuilding its cultural institutions and celebrating its musical roots.
Her path to a professional career was influenced by Armenia's small but lively music scene, where traditional folk music was being adapted for modern audiences. Her studies at Yerevan State University gave her a wider cultural background, while she also developed her musical career, showing the opportunities available to young artists in Armenia's capital during the early 2000s.
Key Achievements
- Represented Armenia at Eurovision Song Contest 2008, finishing fourth with "Qélé, Qélé"
- First Armenian artist to receive two World Music Awards nominations
- Awarded Honored Artist of Armenia title by presidential decree in 2017
- Won multiple awards at first Armenian National Music Awards in 2005
- Successfully launched PreGomesh jewelry line combining music and fashion entrepreneurship
Did You Know?
- 01.She was only 13 years old when she released her debut album in 2000
- 02.Her Eurovision song "Qélé, Qélé" was co-written by herself, making her both performer and songwriter for Armenia's entry
- 03.She launched a silver jewelry line called "PreGomesh" inspired by one of her songs
- 04.She became the first Armenian artist to receive two World Music Awards nominations
- 05.W magazine included her in their "6 un-American idols" list in 2013
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Honored Artist of Armenia | — | — |