Malta is preparing to become the epicentre of European children’s  music. The Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali (Malta) will host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 on Saturday, 24 October. The Mediterranean island is ready to welcome the 16 delegations that will compete for victory. Malta is once again taking charge of organising the European competition for the third time in its history.

The Eurovision stage will be filled with talent, excitement and music with the celebration of Junior Eurovision 2026. The 16 young participants will have the opportunity to defend their entries and fulfil one of their biggest dreams: representing their countries in front of viewers around the world. As it approaches its first quarter-century, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will once again be held under the slogan “United By Music”, which will once more highlight the spirit of unity that defines the contest. On this occasion, with an added incentive: inviting us and making us part of the great Maltese “festa”, where music, tolerance and diversity are an essential part of the show.

With the big event drawing ever closer, the time has come to focus on its protagonists and discover the details of each of the 16 entries that will compete to take home the coveted crystal microphone. For many of them, what began as a dream in front of the television is about to become a reality on the Junior Eurovision stage.

This time, it is the turn to discover the biography and professional career of Naré Kerobyan, Armenia’s representative at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The young artist was internally selected following an audition process involving more than 100 applicants. Her selection opened the doors to the contest, where she will represent her country with «BOO!».

How did her journey towards Junior Eurovisionbegin? What made her fall in love with music? What are her biggest dreams? And what is the meaning behind the songshe will perform on the Ta’ Qalistage? Through her story, we get to know young Naré Kerobyan, who is taking part in this 24th edition, more closely.

This is Naré: the relentless pursuit of her Eurovision dream

Naré Kerobyan, known artistically as Naré, is a young singer and artist born in Yerevan (Armenia) on 12 August 2013. At 13 years old, she is at a particularly important moment in her still-short career. Her selection to represent Armenia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song «BOO!» represents the culmination of several years of training and, above all, persistence in pursuing a goal she had been chasing from a very young age.

Naré Kerobyan grew up and is being educated in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, a city with which she maintains a strong emotional bond. She studies at the Ayb School secondary school, where she has developed her academic education while combining her studies with increasingly intensive artistic training. Above all, in singing and dance, taking part in children’s groups and extracurricular activities.

She lives with her parents, Vahan Kerobyan and Mariam Harutyunyan. In addition, Naré has three brothers: Avet, Samvel and Alexander.

Naré Kerobyan has been singing professionally since the age of 5. Throughout this process, her parents have always supported her artistic side, alongside dance and acting. It is not a recent hobby linked to Junior Eurovision, but rather the result of artistic training that began when she was very young.

During this time, her education has not been limited to general schooling. From a young age, she has combined school with vocal training, music and dance. The stage seems to have been part of her life from a very early age, and her artistic preparation has grown alongside her experience in front of cameras and audiences. Her mentors particularly highlight her years of vocal training and her participation in different musical projects.

 Music occupies a central place in Naré Kerobyan’s life. Her training focuses particularly on singing and dance, disciplines that she combines with acting. She also plays the piano, an instrument that forms part of her musical education and broadens her resources as an artist.

Her profile does not seem to be built around a single genre. Among her influences are contemporary pop and major international hits, with artists such as Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, but she is also interested in Armenian performers such as Iveta Mukuchyan (2016) and Rosa Linn (2022), two successful Armenian Eurovision artists. In addition, traditional Armenian  music plays a major role in her musical education. This combination of international and Armenian influences fits with a characteristic that seems to define her artistic identity: an interest in mixing sounds, styles and different cultural elements.

In fact, one of the most interesting elements of Naré Kerobyan’s artistic personality is the coexistence of two worlds. On the one hand, she grew up listening to international pop and following some of the biggest stars in contemporary music. On the other hand, she maintains a clear connection with Armenian music and culture.

This interest in bringing together different influences is reflected in the way she approaches music. Naré seems to feel equally comfortable with a contemporary pop song and with traditional Armenian elements, and from her earliest appearances she has already shown a willingness to experiment with different sounds. This blend could become one of the defining features of her future artistic identity.

Dance is another important part of her training. Naré Kerobyan particularly enjoys learning new choreographies and developing her stage presence, something especially useful for an artist who combines singing, movement and acting. Since 2022, she has been involved in activities in which she blends Armenian musical elements with contemporary and rock sounds, showing from a very young age an inclination to experiment with different styles.

First steps towards fulfilling her Eurovision dream

Long before securing her ticket to Junior Eurovision, Naré Kerobyan had already begun gaining artistic experience in Armenia. She has taken part in television programmes, musical projects and different artistic productions, experiences that have gradually allowed her to become accustomed to performing in front of cameras and audiences.

Her family has also documented part of that journey. Her father, Vahan Kerobyan, has shared images and news over the years related to his daughter’s artistic achievements, showing how her musical activity began long before she gained international recognition.

One of the first publicly documented moments of her connection with Junior Eurovision came in 2022, when she attempted to become Armenia’s representative in the contest. She tried again in 2023, when, at just 10 years old, she performed «Fallin’» by Alicia Keys during the internal selection process. On that occasion, Naré Kerobyan did not manage to advance to the next stage. Her mother, Mariam Harutyunyan, then shared a video of the performance on social media, while various Armenian media outlets reported on her participation and focused on her talent, without ruling out the possibility that she would achieve her goal on a future occasion. This was followed by another attempt, prior to 2026.

This time, on her fourth attempt, Naré Kerobyan became Armenia’s representative at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 after securing the majority support of broadcaster AMPTV’s internal jury.

The truth is that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest gradually became one of Naré Kerobyan’s main goals, culminating in the major achievement of securing a ticket to the Eurovision stage.

A family closely connected to music and art

Naré Kerobyan belongs to a family in which artistic life plays a fundamental role. She is the daughter of Vahan Kerobyan, businessman and former Minister of Economy of Armenia (from November 2020 until February 2024), and Mariam Harutyunyan.

Mariam Harutyunyan has also played an important role in sharing some of Naré’s earliest artistic steps. In 2023, she was the one who posted on social media the video of her daughter performing «Fallin’» by Alicia Keys during the Armenian selection for Junior Eurovision.

 Music is also present among Naré Kerobyan’s siblings. Her older brother, Samvel Kerobyan, is involved with the guitar and musical performances. The family regularly supports him when he gives concerts, meaning that  music is a prominent bond between Naré and her family, as it is a shared passion within the family environment.

A young girl closely connected to Yerevan and Armenia

Although her career is beginning to take on an international dimension, Yerevan remains a fundamental part of her identity. Naré Kerobyan and her family have publicly shown their affection for the city, even taking part in events related to its celebrations. The family celebrated, for example, the anniversary of the Armenian capital with messages expressing their affection for their hometown.

That connection with Armenia is also reflected in her family trips. Naré enjoys travelling with her family both around different regions of the country and abroad. Among the family experiences that have been documented are visits to rural areas, natural landscapes and places linked to Armenian historical heritage, such as the area around the Arpa River and the Dadali Bridge, built, according to local historical tradition, during the time of the Proshyan princes.

Her love of nature is also part of her everyday life. Among her favourite activities are walking through the forest and horse riding, hobbies that contrast with the intensity of her musical life and provide her with spaces away from the stage.

Outside music, Naré Kerobyan enjoys activities typical of a teenager her age. She likes listening to music, learning new choreographies and spending time with her friends. She also enjoys spending time with her family through simple activities at home.

Armenian cuisine holds a special place among those interests. Cooking as a family is one of the activities she loves, as is sharing family breakfasts. Among her preferences are pancakes, especially as part of those everyday moments with her family.

She also has a particular fondness for autumn. Autumn landscapes, the colours of nature and especially falling leaves are among her personal preferences. In this sense, her love of forests, landscapes and outdoor walks connects with a sensitivity towards nature that can also be seen in her family trips.

Among her favourite characters is Mickey Mouse, another detail that shows the contrast between the young artist who is already preparing professionally for a major international stage and the teenager who continues to enjoy interests typical of her age.

This is «BOO!», Naré’s entry to represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision 2026

Armenia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Armenia made its debut at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam 2007, with Arevik and her song «Erazanq», which achieved 2nd place with 136 points, finishing just one point behind the winner, Belarus.

Its first victory came in Minsk 2010, when Vladimir Arzumanyan performed «Mama» and won the contest with 120 points, marking Armenia’s first victory at the children’s festival.

Armenia has an impressive record of five second-place finishes (2007, Kyiv 2009 with Luara Hayrapetyan and «Barcelona»; Bulgaria 2015 with Mika and «Love»; Valletta 2016 with Anahit & Mary and «Tarber»; Yerevan 2022 with Nare and «Dance!»), more than any other country.

The second victory came in Paris 2021, with Maléna and her song «Qami Qami», winning with 224 points, one of the highest scores in Junior Eurovision.

Since its debut, Armenia has participated in every edition of Junior Eurovision, except in 2020, when it withdrew due to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. With two victories, five runner-up finishes and consistent participation (except 2020) without ever finishing outside the Top 10, Armenia is considered one of the most successful and consistent countries in the history of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

As for its most recent participation, in Tbilisi 2025, Armenia was represented by Albert Armenakyan. With his «Cosmic Friend», he climbed to 4th place with 175 points. He reached 3rd place in the national juries’ vote, while dropping to 6th place in the viewers’ online vote.

World No.118 Alina Charaeva scored the biggest win of her career and spoiled Elena Rybakina’s first match as World No.1.

Alina Charaeva made Elina Rybakina’s first match as World No. 1 one to forget, rallying from a set down to score a stunning 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory at the China Open.

The Beijing Debutante, aged 24 and playing her first career match against a Top 20 player, becomes the first player from Armenia to defeat a World No.1. She’s also the lowest-ranked player in history to have defeated a reigning World No.1 from a set down. 

Rybakina, who became No.1 after winning the US Open last month, is the second WTA No.1 to lose her first match at the top of the WTA rankings, the other being Naomi Osaka in 2019. 

Charaeva, ranked No.118, weathered Rybakina’s early assault and turned the match around with a remarkably clean performance. The 24-year-old struck just 16 winners but committed only 17 unforced errors, compared with 30 winners and 48 unforced errors from Rybakina.

Charaeva was particularly effective behind her first serve, winning 76 percent of those points, and converted five of eight break points in the two-hour, 11-minute battle.

She struck late to win the second set, scoring a break in the tenth game with a backhand winner off a Rybakina drop shot. This breakthrough came after an early trade of breaks in games three and four of the set.

Charaeva broke for 4-2 in the final set, a Rybakina backhand down the line attempt falling wide, and the Armenian never looked back, winning eight of her final two service points to seal the win.

“I don’t have words to say. I’m out of words,” Charaeva said on court after the win. “This is incredible. Thank you guys for your support.”

The Armenian said she tried to remain mentally strong even after dropping the opening set against the two-time Grand Slam champion.

“For me, it’s just kind of a dream come true,” she said. “I was just trying to stay really hard mentally and just keep believing that, at some point, I would turn the game to my side.

“Guys, never stop believing, I guess.”

More to follow…

Recent reports suggest that Western partners are pressing Armenia to impose a visa regime on Russia as a condition for closer ties with the European Union. This alleged demand, cited by the Armenian publication Hraparak based on government sources, comes at a time when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is actively pursuing a policy of rapprochement with the EU, with an eye on potential visa-free travel and even eventual membership.

While the EU’s published visa liberalization roadmap does not explicitly mention a visa requirement for Russia, and Pashinyan himself has publicly stated that Yerevan has no intention of introducing visas for Russian citizens, the Hraparak report has surfaced amid a clear strategic shift by the Armenian government. Pashinyan’s administration is reportedly aiming for visa-free access to the EU by 2029, laying the groundwork for a possible membership application. It is crucial to distinguish between visa liberalization and full EU membership, as the latter has no defined timeline.

An Uncomfortable Choice for Yerevan

The situation places Armenia in a precarious position, facing a difficult dilemma. On one hand, implementing a visa regime for Russians could significantly strain relations with Moscow, disrupt people-to-people contacts, and negatively impact economic ties. On the other hand, rejecting such a potential, albeit unofficial, Western demand could impede Armenia’s European integration aspirations. This creates a scenario where Armenia might have to choose between its traditional relationship with Russia and its pursuit of closer ties with the West.

Economic Ramifications of a European Pivot

The economic consequences of Armenia’s European turn could be substantial. Currently, membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) guarantees Armenia free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor within the bloc. In 2025 alone, Armenian exports to EAEU countries amounted to approximately $3.2 billion. The practicalities of maintaining full membership in both the EU and the EAEU are inherently incompatible due to differing customs and trade regimes. Prime Minister Pashinyan himself has acknowledged that the European trajectory creates a “choice crisis” for the EAEU.

Armenia’s current policy appears to be steering the country toward prioritizing the EU, despite the uncertain ramifications. The government’s stated goal is to reduce dependence on Russia and gain access to the European market. However, the tangible benefits of EU integration remain a prospect for the future. In contrast, the advantages offered by the EAEU, including access to the Russian market and opportunities for Armenian labor migrants, are present realities.

By PanARMENIAN

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