Luara Hayrapetyan | |
|---|---|
 Russia's Lara, 10, won the Grand Prix and the Lira special prize during the Sixth Children's International Music Contest Vitebsk-2008, part of the Slavyansky Bazar Music festival in Vitebsk | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Luara Gurgenovna Hayrapetyan Լուարա Գուրգենի Հայրապետյան Луара Гургеновна Айрапетян |
| Also known as | Lara |
| Born | 29 September 1997 Astrakhan, Russia |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 2004–2009 |
| Website | Official Website |
Luara Gurgenovna Hayrapetyan (Armenian: Լուարա Գուրգենի Հայրապետյան, Russian: Луара Гургеновна Айрапетян; born 29 September 1997 in Astrakhan, Russia) is an Armenian-Russian singer. She represented Armenia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Kyiv, Ukraine with her self-composed pop song "Barcelona", finishing in joint second place.[1]
Hayrapetyan was born in Astrakhan, Russia. She began singing at the age of four, studying at the children's music studio "Vesnushki" of the Astrakhangasprom Cultural Centre, where she was a leading soloist, as well as attending gymnasium. Hayrapetyan's hobbies included ballroom dancing and vocal classes. Having Armenian citizenship, Hayrapetyan also resided in Kapan, Armenia, where she took further vocal, saxophone and dance classes.[2]
She currently lives in Los Angeles, USA.[3]
The first brush with fame was when Luara entered into the Russian national selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2006. At just 9, she came 2nd with her song "Krasnaya Shapochka" (Little Red Riding Hood). Hayrapetyan competed at the 2008 Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk Children's Contest. Representing Russia under the name "Lara", Hayrapetyan was presented with the Grand Prix Award and "Lira" Diploma.
Hayrapetyan is perhaps best known for her representation of Armenia at the 2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest held in Kyiv, Ukraine. Hayrapetyan performed the song "Barcelona", tying for second place overall with Russia's Ekaterina Ryabova.[4]
Prior to her qualification for the 2009 Contest, Hayrapetyan competed in National Finals for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest twice. In 2006, at Russia's National Final, Hayrapetyan placed 2nd with her song "Krasnaya Shapochka".[5][better source needed] In 2008, at Armenia's National Final, she placed 3rd with her song, "Im Ergy".[6][better source needed]
