Maléna: 'I’m obsessed with Eurovision - this win is a dream' 🇦🇲

Maléna’s journey to Junior Eurovision champion has been a long one, having performed at Armenia’s national final a few years ago, and nearly joining the roster last year… she’s over the moon to be here in Paris, and lifting the trophy is a bonus.

📺 Watch: Winner’s Press Conference 2021

Martin Österdahl opened the press conference by acknowledging Maléna’s victory and Armenia’s great track record:

'Congratulations Maléna! The coolest act of the week and the winner tonight… Armenia are superstars in the Junior Eurovision: 2 wins and 7 top three finishes.'

Armenia withdrew from the Contest last year, meaning Maléna had to wait to get her chance to shine on stage… something she reflected on in the press conference:

'Everything happens for a reason, so I’m very thankful. I’m obsessed with Eurovision, it’s always been my dream to take part.

She credits a teacher casting her in a school musical at the age of seven as her genesis into the world of music, and she hasn’t stopped since.

📺 Watch: Interview with Malêna

Today, she finds herself inspired by pop and R&B music from around the world, but especially points out Jaden Smith and Rosalía as two of her favourites right now, both for their musical creations as well as their visual style.

📺 Maléna – Qami Qami (Official Video)

Maléna finds her inspiration and energy in music, both in the works of other people and, increasingly, her own creations.

She’s credited as one of this year’s lyricists on Qami Qami, having written the English-language portion, and she finds it wonderfully surreal to see something that she’s created go from simply an idea to being performed on such a massive stage.

‘I’d never think that I’d be writing lyrics that one day would be shared with such a big audience. It’s such a huge honor. The song is about finding yourself and finding a way to keep going. Don’t you ever think of falling down again…always be true to who you are.'

Make sure to follow the official Junior Eurovision Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from Paris.