Eurovision Eurovision 2020 Georgia

Tonight: All you need to know about the “Georgian Idol” final

There are countless different ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. In Spain it’s common to welcome January by eating 12 grapes, Germans enjoy watching the British comedy sketch “Dinner For One”, and Danes can frequently be spotted jumping off – hopefully not oversized – chairs. For Georgians, at least this year, New Year’s Eve is Eurovision day. Here’s all you need to know about tomorrow’s Georgian Idol final!

Who will take part?

Source: Twitter (@geo_eurovision)

Clicking the contestants’ names will lead you to a quick recap of their performances from the auditions to the semi final.

Georgian Idol can be considered a casting show reunion rather than a search for full-on newcomers. Tornike Kipiani emerged the winner of the first ever X Factor Georgia season in 2014, Mariam Gogiberidze took part in the second season and reached the live shows. Barbare Samkharadze won Georgia’s Got Talent in 2016. Despite not being a casting show alumni, Tamar Kakalashvili also gained a lot of stage experience as a part of the Gori Girls’ Choir.

Tornike Kipiani is the only finalist with a connection to Eurovision. He took part in the Georgian national final for Eurovision 2017 (“You Are My Sunshine”).

Who will decide?

Even though there is a jury consisting of David Aladashvili (pianist, host of “Ranina”), Davit Evgenidze (head judge of “Ranina”, composer of “We Need Love”), Natia Todua (“Unser Lied für Lissabon”) and Tinatin Berdzenishvili (1TV General Director), the final outcome will be decided solely by the public via calls, SMS and Facebook Messenger.

Who is the favourite to win?

Source: Wikipedia (“Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020”)

If the results of the last few live shows are anything to go by, Tornike Kipiani seems to be the one to beat. While Tamar Kakalashvili won the very first episode with a vocally flawless Beatles medley, every single one of his performances from “Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen” by The Subways to a breathtaking duet of “Breathe” by The Prodigy (with Liza Kalandadze) earned him the first place. However, performance powerhouse Barbare Samkharadze is slowly closing in on him and her semi final rendition of “Juice” by Lizzo (with Grigol Kipshidze) helped her make up ground. Mariam Gogiberidze, who was among the bottom 2 in the last show after performing “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (with Giorgi Nakashidze), is expected to fight for the bronze medal with Tamar, who only just overtook Mariam thanks to her cover of “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars (with Oto Nemsadze). Prepare for an exciting two horse race!

What can we expect musically?

  • Barbare Samkharadze – “This Is Me” by Keala Settle
  • Mariam Gogiberidze – “Writing’s On The Wall” by Sam Smith
  • Tamar Kakalashvili – “White Flag” by Bishop Briggs
  • Tornike Kipiani – “Love, Hate, Love” by Alice in Chains

Other than that, as Orthodox Christmas is just around the corner, it’s likely that we will get to hear some festive music tomorrow night.

Tamar Kakalashvili‘s Gori Girls’ Choir has been confirmed to perform what seems like a Christmas medley as an interval act. Former Georgian Idol candidate Mariko Lezhava (Georgian National Final 2017, “Light It Up”), who took part in the season that Nina Sublatti ended up winning, will also make a guest appearance.

How will the song be selected?

Last season, the four finalists all sang their potential Eurovision entries in the final. Oto Nemsadze and his song were both selected on the same day. This time, they moved their selection process two months back. The winner of Georgian Idol will go to Rotterdam, but their song will be chosen behind closed doors.

In a recent interview, Tinatin Berdzenishvili explained that she dislikes the idea of a foreign team writing Georgia’s song for Eurovision. So, most likely, they will once again send a fully homemade composition. The last time Georgia completely relied on foreign songwriters, Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani finished 15th with “Waterfall”, written by Thomas G:Son and Erik Bernholm. In 2015 and 2016, both songs were originally penned by Georgians and then revamped by G:Son.

Where can we watch it?

The final of Georgian Idol will start at 21:00 local time (18:00 CET) tomorrow, the 31st December 2019. You can follow the show via ESCplus Live!

What do you think about the four finalists? What do you expect from tomorrow’s grand final? Who is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!


Sources:Georgian Idol (Facebook), @tatiaxbhc (Twitter)
Eurovision, National Final

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