Armenia’s Eurovision selection “Depi Evratesil” starts on Monday and one of the acts participating is Zhanna Davtyan with the song “Unbreakable”.

We got the chance to catch up with her and find out about her preparations for the contest and the story behind the song.

Hey Zhanna, Congratulations on being a part of Depi Evratesil 2018! What made you want to enter the selection process?

🙂 Hello. Thanks a lot. After two years away I decided to return to the stage again and “Depi Evratesil” is a big opportunity to show yourself and enjoy every single moment on the stage. This year’s Depi Evratesil has given the chance to present with your own song, so I thought, why not! 

Can you tell us a bit more about your song “Unbreakable” and the team behind it?

The author of my song is famous singer-songwriter Nick Egibyan. And with regards to the lyrics I should say that I had a little role in the process. “Unbreakable” is a rhythmical emotional song about unbreakable love. The style of this song is new for me because I have always sang lyrical songs in the past. 

You’re an experienced artist and a few years ago competed in X Factor, do you feel this will help with the TV experience of Depi Evratesil/Eurovision?

Certainly X Factor and the rest competitions helped me a lot. Besides performing successfully,they made me feel more confident in front of the cameras. Fear, excitement,tension are overcome partially due to TV programs. 

Namely victory in “My Name Is” gave me a great deal of confidence both for performances and life…

Do you get nervous before a big performance?

I guess it’s very natural before big performances,because you are responsible for your audition and for yourself also. Years ago when I had just started my journey as a singer, I used to get far too nervous and excited before my performances. But in time I have realised that negative thoughts and unnecessary tension impede having good performance.

How would it feel to win and be selected for Armenia and go to the Eurovision song contest?

Oh it would be amazing and unforgettable. It will be my first international participation  and would be an honour to represent my homeland.

Can you tell us anything about how the song will be staged for the contest?

I want to keep it a secret. I can only say,that it’s gonna be very interesting. 

Who are your biggest inspirations musically?

They are many,I will mention few of them – Bach, Komitas, Aram Khachaturian, Tchaikovsky , Charlie Parker,Bill Evans…

Any dream artists you would love to duet with?

Kurt Elling,Stevie Wonder,John Legend,Adele..

Do you currently have any other projects going on at the moment that we can look forward to?

Not yet,but I have plans to have my first video clip coming in the spring. 

What do you enjoy doing when not performing?

I love to spend my free time with my friends,family,watch football,read books,listen to my favourite music,and from time to time create something new connected with music.

And finally do you have a favourite Eurovision song from previous years?

I have a top 5!

1.ARAM MP3- Not alone

2.Raphael Gualazzi- Madness of love

3.Dima Bilan-Believe

4.Loreen-Euphoria

5.Salvador Sobral-Amar pelos dois.

Many thanks for this interview Zhanna and we hope you are Unbreakable in Depi Evratesil!

Thank you so much for your interview! 

You can follow Zhanna on social media and have a listen to her song here:

Zhanna will participate in Semi Final 1 on Monday 19th February, and you can let us know who you want to qualify in our poll below: