Eteri

Georgia’s national selection for Eurovision 2015 takes place on January 14, but voters in the country are already voting. Sadly we don’t have a Georgian passport or mobile phone, but we do have opinions on each of the five competing songs. So over the next week the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of musical unprofessionals — will review each of the five acts. We’re honest and uncensored, and we promise this hurts us more than it hurts you. In any event, the next artist to face the panel is “The Voice of Russia” veteran Eteri Beriashvili with her song “If Someone”. Do we think that someone to sing at ESC should be Eteri? Or do we think it’s someone else? Read on to find out..

 

Reviews of Eteri’s “If Someone”

Angus: This reminds me a lot of the 2009 runner-up ‘Is It True’. It’s an emotive Broadway-style ballad, backed up by Eteri’s strong voice and paired with weighty backing choir vocals. These kind of more traditional ballads can be unpredictable at Eurovision – Malta failed to clear its semi-final in 2010 with something similar but Farid Mammadov went to second with the same style in 2013. Eteri’s song isn’t anywhere near as strong as Farid’s but it’s not a complete disaster – given some refinement it might surprise us all.

Score: 7/10

Deban: “If Someone” sounds like a Eurovision national selection classic from Yugoslavia in the 90’s. Dated and overworked, there’s something not quite right with the instrumentation. The middling widow look bothers me too. Still, Eteri can belt her notes comfortably, and she deserves applause for that.

Score: 6/10

Francheska: Two words: Georgian Chiara. I love her simple but smart piano riff and guitar bit with her strong vocals, and her vast amount of soul despite the language barrier! In a trend of electro-everything, it’s wonderful to see such variety and soul. One piece of advice: change the black cloak, this isn’t Harry Potter.

Score: 8.5/10

Liam: This song is my guilty pleasure of the selection. It may not be much more than a generic ballad, but the song is strangely empowering. I would have no problem with this winning, but I could not see it going far in Vienna, because of of its generic sound.

Score: 8.5/10

Patrick: Now this is a stunner! Eteri is a really talented singer, that is for sure! The lyrics are really sweet and touching, she sings the lines really well and it’s MADE for Eurovision! As we can see, Eteri is a professional artist, she has know-how and the attitude! “If Someone” is a really beautiful song. Call it cheesy if you want, I really adore this song! I would love to see Eteri representing Georgia!

Score: 8.5/10

Ramadan: Looks like we have the Georgian Severus Snape, just get that wig off and we got it! Eteri is a good singer, but the song is generic and shouty. That said, her voice reminds me of Safura and I love it. Unfortunately, after listening the song, I honestly cannot remember anything. And what’s up with the lyrics? “If someone is there, manifest yourself. This is a prayer just in case you care.” That really makes me laugh.

Score: 5/10

Renske: This woman can sing and she shows it! Eteri has a strong voice and appearance that reminds me a lot of Chiara. Unlike normal Eurovision ballads, this song isn’t that forgettable. I think Georgia might do well if they send Eteri, at least better than last year.

Score: 8/10

liz minnelli
Not Eteri

Robyn: This song is cheesy and overwrought, but there’s something strangely appealing about it. It has such a comforting, old fashioned sound, like a classic Eurovision style. It’s pleasing to know that somewhere there’ll be a lady warbling about helping the children. And how many pop songs have the lyrics “please manifest yourself”? Bonus points for Eteri’s Liza Minelli look.

Score: 7/10

Sami: If any song in the Georgian selection is made for Eurovision, it’s this. It’s a nice ballad and Eteri has the voice, but I wouldn’t send it to Eurovision. There will be better ballads than this, so if Georgia wants to do well, they should send something else.

Score: 6/10

Sopon: Although I don’t want too many ballads in Vienna (I’m watching Eurovision, not sleeping through it!), “If Someone” is an exception. Eteri is an extremely capable singer, and I’m a sucker for gospel-like music. Yes, the lyrics are clichéd, but that can be easily disguised in this sort of song. The only things that need reworking are the backing vocals (which need to be much stronger), her wardrobe (what is that thing?), and the ending (which is missing closure).

Score: 8.5/10 

William: Eteri has a great voice and sings with conviction. Unfortunatley, this song is bland and repetitive. She totally loses me with the lyric, “If someone’s up there, please manifest yourself.” And then when she talks about a child suffering I can’t help but think of those nuns in Malta, and we all know how that turned out. Mother Theresa was great for India, but not for Eurovision.

Score: 5/10 

Wiwi Jury Average: 7.09/10

Final rank: #2 of 5

You can follow all of our Georgia Eurovision news here.

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Alex
Alex
9 years ago

Wow, I didn’t expect the Wiwi Jury to rate this song this high. I think 7/10 is precisely the rating this entry deserves, actually. Needs work but it could be a really good entry at ESC.

kaaamiilo
kaaamiilo
9 years ago

Boring 🙁