Georgia at Eurovision 2025: emotions, stage and “Freedom”

Georgia has always been a country where music is deeply woven into national identity, and once again this spirit was brought to life on the Eurovision stage. In 2025, Georgia was represented by the passionate and talented Mariam Shengelia, performing the powerful ballad “Freedom.”

🎤 The Artist: Mariam Shengelia

Mariam’s story is one that resonates far beyond the Eurovision stage. Without the backing of major producers or formal musical education, she built her path through sheer determination, talent, and authenticity. Her journey reflects the essence of Eurovision itself—a contest that celebrates voices and stories that move people on a personal level. Mariam embodies the idea that music is not just an industry, but a calling.

✨ The Message of “Freedom”

The song “Freedom,” composed by Keti Gabissiani with lyrics by Buka Kartozia, was selected internally by the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB). This decision underscored the importance of a song that speaks directly to the soul. “Freedom” is not simply a love ballad or a pop anthem; it is a declaration of identity, belonging, and national pride.

On the stage in Basel, Mariam’s performance carried a dramatic atmosphere. Her voice soared above the emotional arrangement, while the staging—minimalistic yet symbolic—accentuated the themes of love for one’s homeland and the universal yearning for freedom. The combination of visuals and heartfelt vocals left a strong impression on audiences across Europe.

📊 The Eurovision Result

Georgia performed in the second semifinal on May 15, 2025, appearing 10th in the running order. Despite the strong performance, the country did not qualify for the Grand Final, finishing 15th out of 16 with 28 points. While the result was disappointing for some, many fans highlighted that Eurovision is not always about numbers—it is about the story and emotional connection created on stage.

⚡ Public Debate and Symbolism

Mariam’s name has sparked debate not only because of her music but also due to her public presence. Known for making bold political statements and later participating in concerts supported by different sides, her career has been surrounded by discussion. This complexity added depth to her Eurovision journey—she was not just an artist singing a song, but a voice representing layered realities of modern Georgia.

📜 Georgia in Eurovision History

Since debuting in 2007, Georgia has participated 17 times in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country reached the final on 8 occasions, with its best results being 9th place in both 2010 and 2011. Although a victory has yet to come, Georgia has consistently brought originality, authenticity, and strong vocals to the stage.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s track record in Junior Eurovision tells a different story—it is one of the most successful nations in the contest, winning four times, most recently in 2024. In December 2025, Georgia will proudly host Junior Eurovision, likely in Tbilisi, marking another important milestone for the country’s cultural presence in Europe.

🌍 Why This Performance Matters

Even though Mariam Shengelia did not advance to the Grand Final, her performance with “Freedom” carried symbolic significance. It showed Georgia’s ongoing commitment to sharing its cultural voice with the world, and to speaking about themes that are universally relevant—freedom, belonging, and love.

Eurovision is more than a competition—it is a cultural dialogue, where every performance tells a story. For Mariam and for Georgia, simply standing on that stage and delivering such a heartfelt message was already a victory.