Rosa Linn Reflects on Eurovision and Reaching a Billion Streams

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Rosa Linn, the trilingual singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, has captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable journey from her roots in Vanadzor, Armenia, to international stardom — achieving multi-platinum success and global recognition.

In the earlier stages of her career, Linn's initial breakthrough moment came when she caught the eye of the management company and label Nvak Collective during a festival performance in Armenia, leading her to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest with her hit song “Snap,” which resonated with 161 million viewers across Europe. The success of “Snap” instantly reverberated on a global scale, earning platinum status in the US and securing a spot on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Shortly after Linn worked her way into mainstream pop culture, the singer went on to share the stage with industry giants like Ed Sheeran, Milky Chance, and Young the Giant, essentially cementing her status as a legendary performer — amssing more than 1.3 billion global streams. By the time 2024 rolled around, Linn then dropped her passion-heavy anthem “Universe” showcasing her individualistic style of musicality, blending electronic beats with acoustic charm while her soulful vocals take listeners on an emotional voyage through boundless love.

Now, with platinum and gold records in 30 countries, Top 40 radio play in 70 territories, and a recent French version of the hit single “Universe,” Linn is breaking down her remarkably inspiring journey as a blossoming singer-songwriter.

Rosa Linn

Can you tell us about the initial conception of your chart-topping single “Universe” and what led you to create a French rendition of the song?

Rosa Linn: “Universe” is about daydreaming about things you can’t have in real life. I do that a lot, most of my songs have something connected to this theme, but I wanted to write a whole song about that part of me. I decided to do multiple versions of this song in different languages, the title itself led to the idea of making “Universe” universal.

How would you describe your collaboration with French artist Jeck on the French version of “Universe”?

Rosa Linn: I love collaborating with other artists. There are always things to learn from each other. Jeck made a beautiful version of “Universe”. I was very very excited to sing in French, I think our voices fit in together very well.

You’ve previously described “Universe” as your anthem for the Daydreamer. Can you elaborate on some of the primary emotions and experiences you aimed to capture through this song?

Rosa Linn: I spend more time daydreaming than living in reality. I’m always listening to music in my headphones when I’m not around people. And that kind of transfers me to that dreamy state. And I’m sure everyone has a way to escape reality and create whatever situations they want in their head. I used to think it was a problem for me, cause it was obviously taking me away from what’s in the present. But it’s also incredibly motivating and helpful to visualize the things you want in your mind.

From your childhood bedroom to international stardom, what have been some of the most influential moments that have helped define your evolutionary career?

Rosa Linn: When “Snap” became a hit I knew nothing about the music industry, I never wrote a song in a proper studio with people who’ve been in the industry even longer than I’ve been alive. Of course I’ve learned a lot during the past two years, starting from how to communicate with the collaborators to how to be an artist on stage. I moved to another country where I knew no one at the time. I got to know myself better as an artist and as a person in general.

Representing Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest must have been a significant moment in your career. How has that experience impacted your music and performance style?

Rosa Linn: I used to watch Eurovision with my family as a kid, and even before I wanted to become an artist I’d had this feeling that one day I’d sing on the Eurovision stage. I was surprised that it happened very very early in my career. I was just starting to make small steps and all of a sudden, having no experience, I had to be ready to get on that stage and show my artistry to millions of people. I just didn’t let myself feel nervous, cause I knew the start of my career depended on that.

With “Snap” reaching platinum status in the US, copious streams, and cracking the Billboard Hot 100 – was there a specific moment where you were able to fully recognize the song’s massive impact?

Rosa Linn: My life completely changed after “Snap” and I never had the time to process what happened. I’d hear my song on the radio, do millions of interviews, and meet some of my favorite writers and musicians but it would never feel real to me. It all hit me when I was singing on the LATE LATE SHOW. It was a magical moment to actually do something you dreamt of in real life.

As of now, you’ve generated over 1.3 billion global streams is an incredible feat. How does it feel to have your music resonate with audiences worldwide, and what do you attribute this success to?

Rosa Linn: Honestly, it makes me feel less lonely. It reminds me that my feelings and my stories can be related to by a lot of people. The reason why I write and perform is to be heard and understood and loved for who I am. It’s like sharing something personal with a friend. It’s very healing.