Suren Arustamyan, the Armenian participant of the New Wave 2012 Song Contest, ranks as the 8th singer after the Wednesday concert.

The leading participants as of now are the representatives of Ukraine, Italy and Latvia.

Arustamyan earned 92 points after the first round that involved a competition of international hits.

The Ukrainian singer, Maria Yaremchuk, topped the participants’ list with 97 points. The Italian and Latvian participants - Del Pinto
and the Framest group - shared the 2nd-3rd positions, with 96 points.

This year’s event has brought together 16 representatives from 14 world countries. The contest will run through July 29.

The participants will compete in three rounds – country hit, world hit and original song.

The total prize fund comprises €100,000, of which €50,000 will be awarded to the first, €30,000 – to the second and €20,000 – to the third winner.

The second round, scheduled later on Thursday, will see a rock competition, the first ever event in the annual variety show. The concert will attract rock musicians and bands. The idea has been proposed by Russian composer Igor Krutoy, the president of the contest.