Eurovision Song Contest 2015: Name of First Member of Genealogy Group Announced

YEREVAN — The name of the first member of the Generalogy group to represent Armenia at Eurovision Song Contest 2015 has been announced.French-Armenian Essaï Altounian is representing Europe in the project, according to Eurovision’s official website.

Essaï’s charming voice has touched many hearts. He is also a songwriter, keyboardist and an actor.

Armenian Public TV Company has announced earlier that Genealogy will be uniting the new generation of Armenians spread through 5 continents (Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia) around the world. The group will consists of 6 artists with Armenian origin – 6 destinies with 1 story.

“I’m really proud to represent Armenia. To be a part of the Genealogy means something powerful to me. It is like being a link between the past and the future, a link between earth and sky”. Essaï Altounian stated.

“With Genealogy I’m one of the bridges connecting Armenian people around the world. I am also one of the bridges who are spreading love and positivity around the world through music. I represent Armenians from Europe – the continent of the Human right and the peace. I want to send a powerful message of humanity and serenity on behalf of European Armenians.I wish that people all around the world realize that Armenians will always climb on the higher mountains to sing, dance and spread joy and happiness”. He added.

Essaï Altounian has lived and debuted in France, where his grandparents had escaped in 1915. He recently wrote and produced a song called Je n’oublie pas / ChemMorana dedicated to their memory.

At the age of 12 Essaï composed his first song and at the age of 19 signed a contract with Sony France as lead singer of the urban and pop idol group “Ideal-3”, with whom he scored a top ten hit with Pardonne-moi.

When Essaï was 21 he left the band and signed a solo contract with Mercury Universal. He cooperated with Jenifer and composed songs for her album, which eventually received the Diamond Plaque award. He played the role of Count Paris in Gerard Presgurvic’s musical comedy Romeo and Juliet, the album of which sold 2 million copies. The musical comedy Le Roi Soleil for Warner Music France, for which he wrote S’aimer est interdit, went double Platinum with over 3 million tickets sold during the three years of its run.

Taking a big leap across the Atlantic to the United States, Essaï reached out to Kerry Gordy from Motown music. The first single produced with him, Family, has been an up-tempo, urban song that pays homage to the sanctity of those who are closest to you. His new album will be released in the beginning of 2016.