After weeks of speculation, Mariam Shengelia has been officially chosen by Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) to wave the Georgian flag at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The talented singer has made a name for herself through various talent shows, most recently becoming a finalist on Dancing With The Stars Georgia.
At ESCplus, we continue our journey to discover the stories behind every artist competing in Eurovision this year. Now, it’s time to head to the Caucasus and meet Georgia’s rising star.
Get to know Mariam Shengelia
Mariam Shengelia is a young singer hailing from a small village in Georgia. From an early age, she discovered her passion for music. Known for her powerful vocals, Mariam has carved out her artistic path without formal musical training or industry connections, relying solely on her raw talent.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Mariam is also pursuing a degree in Political Science at Tbilisi State University. She stands out as a dedicated and hardworking young European ambassador with a deep interest in diplomacy, global affairs, and current events.
Her journey through talent shows
In 2018, Mariam gained national recognition after competing in The X Factor Georgia, where her emotive performances and vocal strength earned her a spot in the semifinals.
The following year, she joined Georgian Idol, which doubled as the national selection for Georgia’s Eurovision 2020 entry. Although she finished in sixth place, Mariam became a fan favorite. The show was ultimately won by Tornike Kipiani, who went on to represent Georgia at Eurovision 2020 and 2021. Mariam was set to join Kipiani as a backing vocalist, but the contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, she took part in The Voice Georgia (season 4), stunning all four coaches during her blind audition with a rendition of “Steamroller Blues” by Elvis Presley. Her journey on the show saw her reach the semifinals, delivering memorable performances of songs like “Like a Star” by Corinne Bailey Rae and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder.
Most recently, Mariam showcased another side of her talent in Dancing With The Stars Georgia (2025), where she reached the final alongside professional dancer Sandro Sabadze.
Her role in the band Mix2ura
In addition to her solo career, Mariam is a member of the band Mix2ura, performing covers across diverse genres. This experience has allowed her to expand her artistic repertoire and refine her stage presence.
In the video below, you can watch Mariam and Mix2ura perform “Six Day War” by Colonel Bagshot, a song popularized by DJ Shadow’s remix “Six Days”.
About “Freedom” – Georgia’s Eurovision 2025 entry
“Freedom” is composed by Keti Gabisiani with lyrics penned by Buka Kartozia. The song is a sophisticated balladthat highlights Mariam’s vocal prowess, blending Georgian and English lyrics. Musically, it fuses traditional sounds with classical influences.
The lyrics deliver a message of love and freedom, with poetic references to Georgia and its natural landscapes.
Georgian / English
(Mze, tsa)
Tavisupleba
(Ani da bani, gani da doni
Krebian ts’lebi, gadian droni
Eni da vini, zeni da tani
Arasdros davtmot es tsa da mtani)
Rogorts balakhis surneli
Tsis nami, ts’q’aro ank’ara
Tavisuplebis ts’q’urvili
Samshoblom gulit at’ara
Da rogorts mk’erdshi es guli
Tavisupleba chemshia
Da rogorts chveni sitsotskhle
Samshoblo ertadertia
Es mze atbobs da anatebs gzebs
Samshoblos mtebsa da zghvebs
Imedit gavq’vebit gzebs
Da, lurji da ughrublo tsa
Mshvidi da mghelvare zghva
Ar minda simdidre skhva
Freedom is a heaven’s gift we share
Freedom is a human wealth to care
Freedom is a mountain spring for share, people
Let it be here and there everywhere
I’m living my life with my smile
Kindness resists of my style
Freedom that makes life so mild
My home, my sweet apparel a song
Meadows and mountains to roam
This is my wealth and my throne
Zetsa, taviѕupleba, ani da bаni
English
Sun
Sky
Freedom
Ani and Bani, Gani and Doni
Years are passing, time is flying
Eni and Vini, Zeni and Tani
We will never give up this sky and mountains
Like the scent of grass
The dew of the sky, the pure spring
The thirst for freedom
Carried in the heart by the homeland
And just like this heart in my chest
Freedom is also within me
And just like our life
The homeland is the one and only
This sun warms and shines today
On the mountains and fields of the homeland
With hope, we follow the roads
This sky, blue and cloudless sky
A peaceful and restless sea
I don’t want any other wealth
Freedom is the heaven’s gift we share
Freedom is the human wealth to care
Freedom is the mountain spring fresh air
People, let it be here and there, everywhere
And, I’m living my life with my smile
Kindness is the sense of my style
Freedom’s what makes life so mine
Home, my sweet and marvelous home
Meadows and mountains to roam
This is my wealth and my throne
Sun, Sky, Freedom, Ani and Bani
Georgia at Eurovision: A brief history
Georgia debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 with Sopho Khalvashi’s “Visionary Dream”, finishing 12th with 97 points. Since then, Georgia has participated every year except 2009.
Out of 14 appearances, Georgia has qualified for the final 7 times, achieving its best results with 9th place finishes in 2010 and 2011 thanks to Sopho Nizharadze’s “Shine” and Eldrine’s “One More Day”.
In recent years, Georgia has alternated between national finals and internal selections. However, qualification to the final has been elusive, with multiple non-qualifications between 2017 and 2022. In 2023, Iru Khechanovi represented Georgia with “Echo”, finishing 12th in the semifinal.
In 2024, Georgia celebrated a return to the Grand Final thanks to Nutsa Buzaladze’s “Firefighter”, who placed 21st with 34 points in Malmö.