The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Singer Hayko represented Armenia at Eurovision
Armenian singer Hayko, who represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, has died after contracting Covid-19.
The 48-year-old represented his home country in Helsinki singing Anytime You Need and was placed eighth.
It was the first time a song in the Armenian language had featured as an entry in the contest.
Singer and songwriter Hayk Hakobyan, known as Hayko, died in the Armenian capital of
Yerevan, with the Public Radio of Armenia stating he had been “in a grave condition” for the previous week.
On social media, the Eurovision Song Contest organisers paid tribute to the singer, saying: “We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Armenian artist Hayko.
“Hayko represented his country at Eurovision 2007 where he finished eighth with his touching ballad Anytime You Need.”
The prime minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, released a statement regarding, describing him as “beloved”.
He said: “With a deep sorrow I learnt about the untimely death of beloved singer, honored artist of Armenia Hayko (Hayk Hakobyan).
“He was one of the brightest representatives of Armenian modern music and has gained people’s love and respect with his activity.
“His works are loved by the people, and his ballads have their unique place in the rich heritage of the Armenian music.”
Hayko’s music has also been performed in a number of contemporary Armenian movies, which have greatly contributed to the development of Armenian film-making.
Hayko’s first album, titled Romances, was released in 1999, with the musician winning three accolades – Best Singer, Best Project and Best Album – at the Armenian Music Awards three years later.
He was only the second artist to represent Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest, following André a year earlier.