Georgia has made changes in its selection format in an effort to avoid a repeat of their last placing in their ESC 2022 semi final and to lift their 50% strike rate in getting thru to the Eurovision Finals.
The broadcaster GPB decided reality TV show “The Voice Georgia” would unearth Georgia’s representative for Eurovision 2023. And in another move they enlisted previous Eurovision entrants Sopho Toroshelidze (her performance in 2011 with metal band “Eldrine“ has given Georgia its best result so far in Eurovision) and Stephane Mgebrishville (Stephane and 3G who were controversially disqualified in 2009) and another two coaches Dato Porchkhidze (a composer) and Dato Evgenidze (a composer, performer and producer). So it seems, all good so far.
But, the one problem I see from the start as I watch the 32 entrants strutt their stuff to Georgian audiences and their enthusiastic coaches in blind auditions and team switching, is that Georgia has never had a lack of singing talent. It has a bloody good history of singing and performers. Anyway, back to the selection process.
32 entrants are whittled down to 8 after singing battles and semi finals and that leaves the four coaches with two contestants each to progress to the Grand Final. Televoting commences after the eight contestants are chosen and continues all week.
The finalists are exceptional, in my view. Song selections cover rock, jazz, pop, musical stage classics and a brave Arianne Grande medley. All could represent Georgia proudly, however when the artists are required to perform a well known song of their choice, it is 23 year old Iru Khechanovi who choses the Eurovision and Loreen classic “ Euphoria “ as her last Final’s stand. She sings it masterfully, offering a tender mood that showcases her vocal skill. Unfortunately, she is not required to sing the song in totality, so I am left a little disappointed, but not in doubt of her talent.
The week long televote finally finishes on the night and decides Iru’s win as she manages 21.88% of the vote with her nearest competitor on 15.72%.
Iru is Tbilisi born and a previous Georgian representative - with a crown - having performed in a pop group “Candy” that won Junior Eurovision in 2011.
So now Georgia has an artist with a bonza voice, and one that has good form. But back to the problem that I mentioned in the beginning. Georgia still needs a song cos I believe that is often the missing part of the puzzle for Georgia.
So, here’s my tip. Someone at GPB, get on the blower and call up your Junior Eurovision mate Giorgi Kukhianidze (who composed last year’s Mariam Bigvava’s stunner “I Believe”). And then get Giorgi and Iru together for a beer, wine, mocktail writing session AGAIN, yes again, cos Iru was - you guessed it - the lyricist for “I Believe”.
And Bingo, Georgia might again be riding a winner.