Armenian Singers on 'Stupid Posters,' 'Group Love' and the Disgraceful Situation in the Country

Once it became about money, then we noticed that something horrible exists, said singer David Amalyan, speaking to journalists in Yerevan today and commenting on the lavish gifts awarded to Armenian singers and entertainers at the Tashir 2011 Music Awards.

"Until then, they were spoiling spiritual food and no one was responding, no one was saying, why is a song with these lyrics on air? No one was saying why is the mediocre melody on air? No one was paying attention to this. I would like for us to find the source; that is, why is it that it's become like this, that show business has become the topic of conversation in all of our homes. And finally, this isn't only in the song arts," he said.

"You turn on the television and everyone's singing," continued popular Armenian singer-songwriter Ruben Hakhverdyan, also present at today's press conference.

"Those stupid posters , 'We're the Armenian army,' 'My gun is my stage, my duduk'; I don't know what is 'I love you'; I don't know who loves whom; is love group or not group ? Instead, let's see, say, Leonid Azgaltsyan's photo, Monte's photo, Dushman Vardan 's photo, so children are inspired by these people," he said.

"If Monte was here today, if Leonid was here, there wouldn't be this disgraceful situation in our country; they would fight. In this way today fights Jirair Sefilian," said the singer and added: "Well, if our culture minister is Hasmik Poghosyan, our show business will blossom as such."