Sept 29 2021
Hayko, an Armenian musician who represented his country in the 2007 instalment of Eurovision, has tragically passed away aged just 48 after suffering from Covid-19
ByJess Phillips
The news was confirmed by Shushan Danielyan, chief of staff at Yerevan State Medical University on Wednesday (September 29).
According to the Public Radio of Armenia, the star had been "in a grave condition" since September 21.
The musician – real name Hayk Hakobyan – rose to fame when he represented his native country in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, belting out the track Anytime You Need, which finished in eighth place.
His performance marked the first time the Armenian language had ever been used in a Eurovision entry.
In a social media statement, the official Eurovision Song Contest Twitter account penned: "We’re very sorry to hear of the passing of Armenian artist Hayko.
"Hayko represented his country at Eurovision 2007 where he finished 8th with his touching ballad ‘Anytime You Need’.
"You will always be in our hearts."
The country's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also issues a statement about Hayko's death, in which he referred to the late singer as "beloved".
He maintained that his music will live on in the country's hearts.
Speaking to Armenpress, 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 the 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."
The statement went on: "Hayko’s music has also been performed in a number of contemporary Armenian movies which have greatly contributed to the development of Armenian filmmaking.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the singer’s family, relatives, friends and fans."
Hayko was also awarded a wealth of musical trophies in his lustrous career, including Best Singer awards at the Armenian National Music Awards in 2003 and 2006.
He released his first album in 2003, entitled Norits, meaning Again in English.
Floods of fans turned out on social media to pay their respects to the late musician, with one writing: "It’s so sad… Rest In Peace our talented Hayko.”
Someone else posted: "Undoubtedly, with the untimely death of our beloved Hayko, our contemporary musical art has suffered a great loss."
"Bloody hell, I hadn’t heard, that’s awful. He was so young. RIP Hayko," another emotional fan penned.
RIP.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/breaking-armenian-eurovision-star-hayko-25101395