How a pharmacy student became an Armenian pop star and Eurovision finalist

How a pharmacy student became an Armenian pop star and Eurovision finalist
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In short: Aram Sargsyan, known professionally as Aram Mp3, transitioned from a medical student performing comedy to a celebrated singer. After gaining fame through stand-up and television hosting, he represented Armenia at Eurovision in 2014. His journey highlights the intersection of humor, music, and the complexities of public celebrity.

Born in Yerevan in 1984, Aram Sargsyan initially pursued a career in medicine, earning a pharmacy degree from Yerevan State Medical University in 2006. During his university years, he discovered a talent for performance, participating in choirs, theatrical productions, and the KVN comedy circuit. His stage name, Aram Mp3, originated during his time with the 32 Teeth comedy troupe, where he frequently performed humorous musical covers. This moniker, coined by colleague Vahagn Grigoryan, stuck as he expanded his career into television hosting and stand-up comedy.

By 2010, Sargsyan was a fixture in Armenian media, co-founding the Vitamin Club stand-up show and hosting various popular formats. His musical ambitions grew alongside his comedic success, leading to the release of original singles. In late 2013, he was chosen by Armenia's public broadcaster to compete in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. His performance of the song 'Not Alone' in Copenhagen earned him a fourth-place finish with 174 points. The lead-up to the event was marked by controversy, as Sargsyan faced backlash for disparaging comments regarding fellow contestant Conchita Wurst. He later apologized, met with Wurst, and publicly distanced himself from homophobic views.

Following his Eurovision appearance, Sargsyan remained a prominent figure in Armenian entertainment, serving as a judge for national music competitions and lending his voice to the Armenian dub of The Lion King in 2016. His work has also extended into collaborative musical projects, such as his traditional music partnership with Iveta Mukuchyan, and philanthropic efforts supporting children with cancer. Today, he continues to balance his roles as a singer, television personality, and comedian, maintaining a significant presence in the Armenian cultural landscape.

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