Last week, Georgia confirmed Mariam Shengelia as its Eurovision 2025 singer with the song “Freedom.” It’s an anthem meant to showcase Mariam’s passion for her country and the unshakable spirit of the Georgian people, who declared their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
But Mariam’s Eurovision announcement has been overshadowed by accusations she’s both anti-gay and pro-Russian. Mariam sat down with me to address these issues and to discuss, among other things, the message behind her song, her views on freedom, and her vision for her Eurovision 2025 stage show in Basel.
Mariam Shengelia – “Freedom” (Georgia Eurovision 2025)
Recently, there have been social media claims suggesting that you are pro-Russian and homophobic. Some screenshots have been circulating online. The Georgian Public Broadcaster has denied their authenticity. But what is your response to these allegations?
“The truth is, this was never about me. It was never about those ridiculously photoshopped screenshots or those absurd accusations. This was about tearing someone down, about trying to silence a voice that refuses to be controlled. For months, I’ve seen my name dragged through lies, twisted into something unrecognizable. And honestly? It’s been painful. It’s humiliating to have to stand here and say, ‘That’s not me.’ It’s frustrating to know that, in 2025, all it takes is one fake post for thousands of people to turn against you. Unfortunately, we are living in the era of disinformation.”
“But here’s what I’ve realized: I don’t need to defend myself against fiction. The people who want to believe those lies will believe them no matter what I say. And the people who know me – the ones who truly see me – they already know the truth.”
“I sing about freedom. And I believe in freedom of choice, freedom to love, freedom to live as you want to live. That is what I stand for. No amount of manufactured hate will change that.”
What is the story behind your song? And on a personal level, what does freedom mean to you?
“This song is my heart, my soul, my voice. It’s not just about patriotism, it’s about identity, about feeling every heartbeat of your homeland, about knowing where you belong. It’s about loving your people fiercely, unconditionally. I am 22 years old and for me, freedom is everything. It’s the air I breathe, the rhythm of my life. Without it, happiness is just an illusion. Freedom means belonging to yourself, not to someone else’s expectations, fears, or limits. It means walking your own path, even if it’s uphill. And most importantly, it means believing – in yourself in something bigger than just today.”
“Georgians have always known this. Our history is written in resilience, in sacrifice, in an unbreakable spirit. And I carry that in me.”
Competing at Eurovision is a dream for many artists. When did you first think about representing Georgia at Eurovision? And what does this opportunity mean to you?
“Eurovision isn’t just a competition for me, it’s a dream I’ve carried in my heart since I was a child. I remember watching Alexander Rybak in 2009, completely mesmerized. That was the moment I knew, I wanted to stand on that stage, feel that energy, be part of something so much bigger than myself.”
“I’ve fought for this dream. In 2020, I auditioned, made it to the final, and was honored to be a backing vocalist for Tornike Kipiani. But then COVID took it all away. I remember feeling crushed, like the dream had slipped through my fingers.”
“And now, here I am. Finally, representing Georgia. Carrying my country’s name on my shoulders. It’s overwhelming, it’s terrifying, but it’s also the most beautiful feeling in the world. I will give this stage everything I have.”
Eurovision 2025 is set to take place in Basel. What are your expectations for the contest?
“I just want to live every second of it. I want to meet people, connect with other artists, and feel the energy of the stage. I’m the kind of person who thrives on human connection, so for me, this isn’t just about competing – it’s about sharing, learning, and making memories that will stay with me forever.”
Your performance will be watched by millions across the world. Can you share any details about your stage concept or how you plan to bring “Freedom” to life on stage?
“I can’t reveal too much just yet, but our goal is to showcase Georgia as a cradle of history, culture, and an unbreakable free spirit. In just three minutes, we want the world to feel Georgia—to see its soul, its strength, its essence. When you watch our performance in May, you shouldn’t just hear a song—you should feel what Georgia is as a whole.”
Georgia is known for sending unique and bold entries. What do you think makes your song and performance stand out?
“One thing you cannot say about my song is that it’s not unique. It’s different, it’s unexpected, it breaks the usual structure. And honestly? I’m obsessed with it. I think I’ve listened to it at least 50 times a day—and yes, I know that’s not normal, hahaha! But that’s how I know I love it. That’s how I know it’s truly mine.”
If you could collaborate with any past Eurovision artist, who would it be and why?
“Slimane! His performance was breathtaking, and I actually covered his Eurovision song—though I haven’t posted it yet. Maybe one day I will.”
Eurovision is not just a competition—it’s also a huge cultural exchange. What is something about Georgian music or culture that you’d love to introduce to the Eurovision audience?
“That’s what makes Eurovision magical, it’s a place where cultures meet, where stories are told through music and movement.
“With Freedom, I want to bring Georgia to the world. The strength of our traditional sounds, the power of our dance, the spirit that runs through our history. I want people to see us, feel us, understand who we are and I am honored to be the one carrying that onto the Eurovision stage.”
About Mariam Shengelia
She first stepped into the spotlight at just 14 years old, making her debut on national television in 2018, where she gained widespread recognition as a semi-finalist on X-Factor Georgia, showcasing her vocal abilities to a wide audience. Her journey continued in 2019 when she competed in Georgian Idol, the very competition that selected Georgia’s Eurovision act for 2020. She made it to week five of the show, finishing in sixth place.
In 2021, she once again impressed audiences as a semi-finalist on The Voice of Georgia, proving her consistency as a performer. More recently, in 2024, she reached the final of Dancing with the Stars Georgia, demonstrating her versatility beyond singing.
Beyond her solo achievements, she has already had a connection to Eurovision. In 2020, she provided backing vocals for Tornike Kipiani’s song “Take Me As I Am,” which was set to represent Georgia at Eurovision before the contest was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can Mariam Shengelia bring the country a strong result with “Freedom”? Let us know in the comments below.
