This year, Georgia has chosen 22-year-old singer Mariam Schengelia (მარიამ შენგელია) to represent the country at Eurovision. Born in 2002 in a small village in the Mingrelia region, Mariam’s journey in music began early. She first gained national attention in 2018 when she competed in the Georgian version of “The X Factor”, reaching the semi-finals.

In 2019, she took part in “Georgian Idol” 2020, the country's preselection for the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing sixth in a competition won by Tornike Kipiani. Mariam was originally set to join Kipiani as a backing vocalist for the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her musical journey continued in 2021 when she reached the semi-finals of The Voice of Georgia, showcasing her vocal prowess. In 2024, Mariam Schengelia participated in the Georgian version of ‘Dancing with the Stars”, where she made it to the final.

Beyond her solo career, Schengelia is also a member of the band Mix2ura, known for their innovative fusion of diverse musical influences.

Song:  Freedom
Writer(s):  Buka Kartozia
Composer(s):  Keti Gabisiani
Broadcaster: 1TV

Mariam weaves together English and Georgian lyrics to sing of the scent of grass, the morning dew, and an unquenchable thirst for freedom. Her performance evokes a profound connection between her homeland and the human spirit with all its emotions, fears, passions, and boundless creativity. At its heart, the song is a poetic ode to freedom, belonging, and hope.

Written by Keti Gabisiani and Buka Kartozia, “Freedom” blends a variety of musical styles, creating a rich yet somewhat scattered soundscape. While the eclectic arrangement reflects the diversity of the Eurovision stage, the lack of a clear musical through line may make the piece feel disjointed. In a competition where cohesion often strengthens impact, the shifting styles could risk distracting listeners rather than drawing them in. The music video for “Freedom” is particularly striking, thanks to the impressive choreography and the presence of talented Georgian dancers. This visual element could significantly enhance Mariam Schengelia’s stage performance in Basel, much like the memorable performance of Sopho in 2007 with “Visionary Dream,” which marked Georgia's debut at Eurovision. The strong combination of music and dynamic stage presence helped elevate her performance, and a similar approach could work wonders for Schengelia, adding depth and energy to her Eurovision appearance.