Georgia's Eurovision 2025 contestant faces disqualification calls - Reasons
Mariam Shengelia (photo: instagram.com/mariam_shengeliaa1)
Recently, it was revealed that Georgia will be represented by 22-year-old singer Mariam Shengelia at Eurovision 2025 with her song "Freedom." This choice has sparked outrage among eurofans, and many Georgians are refusing to vote for her.
What triggered the online criticism?
When the official Eurovision page announced that Mariam Shengelia would represent Georgia in Switzerland, negative comments flooded in. Online users are calling for her disqualification, and there are several reasons behind this.
Pro-Russian ties
In February 2022, Mariam expressed support for Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia, and spoke out against the pro-Russian government in Georgia. However, she later changed her stance and began participating in pro-Russian propaganda events organized by the Georgian Dream party. In 2024, she even appeared in their election campaign video, urging people to vote. Interestingly, she also expressed disappointment on her blog about the party's decision to delay discussions on joining the European Union until 2028.
Mariam Shengelia (photo: instagram.com/mariam_shengeliaa1)
Song choice controversy
In addition, the singer was criticized for her song choice. Many were outraged that someone who supports a pro-Russian regime would sing about freedom.
- "Sorry, but when Mariam was criticizing and saying bad things about Europe, why did she decide to go to Eurovision?"
- "How shameful for you to sing about freedom?"
- "Freedom from whom? Can you name this country?"
- "She doesn't know what freedom is."
- "If Shengelia is pro-Putin, why is she singing about freedom when everything is the opposite? I think Eurovision should reconsider Georgia's contestant choice and select a different candidate."
- "Mariam, who are you fooling? Singing about freedom is shameful from your side."
- "A Putinist—that’s what we needed for this Eurovision season."
Georgia’s Eurovision 2025 selection process
Georgia was the last country to announce its representative for the international song contest. Eurovision fans were concerned that the extended pause might mean a refusal to participate. However, on March 14, the public broadcaster named the artist who will represent the country in Basel.
The delay in choosing Georgia's participant was also linked to the complex political situation in the country. Recently, the local government passed several controversial laws, including one on foreign agents, which raised concerns about the country’s democratic development.
Sources: Eurovision Instagram page, Mariam Shengelia Instagram page, "Eurofans" Telegram, Wikipedia.
