Ready, set, Tbilisi! Almost four months after Mariam Mamadashvili’s record-setting victory at Junior Eurovision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Georgian state television have confirmed that Tbilisi will host Junior Eurovision 2017. And they’ll do so on 26 November inside the Tbilisi Sports Palace.

Representatives of the EBU are currently on a working visit to Georgia. They’ve discussed organizational and technical issues and paid a visit to the Junior Eurovision 2017 venue.

Jon Ola Sand, the EBU’s Head of Live Events, said:

”After winning the competition three times, it’s time Georgia hosts Junior Eurovision for the first time. We’ll make everything for creating an unforgettable show. The event will take place in Tbilisi Sports Palace, located in the heart of the city…The Tbilisi Sports Palace has a great space, which can hold lots of fans.”

Built in 1961 and renovated in 2007, the Tbilisi Sports Palace is one of the greatest arenas for concerts in Georgia.

The venue has a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators. The venue usually hosts basketball, handball, judo, tennis, boxing and other sports tournaments — and with very high attendance.

The 15th edition of Junior Eurovision 2017 will be held in Tbilisi, within the project ”Check-in Georgia”. The Georgian cultural project ”Check-in Georgia” started last year and it includes a series of cultural events, which have been held in Tbilisi and other regions throughout the country. The project is organized by the Cultural Development Investment Fund. Lots of famous stars have held concerts in Georgia, including Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera and Robbie Williams.

After Mariam Mamadashvili won the 2016 edition in Malta last November, expectations were high that Georgia — a three-time winner of the contest — would finally get to host after being passed up in the past. With Mariam’s victory they’re having their moment in the sun — which is appropriate given that she sang “Mzeo”.

What do you think? Are you excited about it?  Share your thoughts on the wiwibloggs app, or in our comments section below– and we’ll see y’all in Tbilisi this year!

READ MORE GEORGIA EUROVISION NEWS

22 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Rivka
6 years ago

I am very excited.

Sid
Sid
6 years ago

I actually forgot that Georgia is a country. All this while I spent reading the article thinking it was that place in the US called Georgia and wondering what Eurovision was doing there.

Slaytina
Slaytina
7 years ago

ESC Junior? Who cares

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

@ Aria – d chill henny we’re just messing around

beccaboo1212
7 years ago

@Tony Russia already confirmed participation, so there’s no need for them to withdraw.

Tony
Tony
7 years ago

What will happen to Russia? Will they withdraw as they are in tension like Ukraine and Russia?

Aria
Aria
7 years ago

@Aminatafan and @Polegend
I think both of you are late!! Rezo already has a girlfriend I think!!

Aminatafan
Aminatafan
7 years ago

@ Polegend Podgarinda Wtf?????

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

@ Aminatafan – back off, I saw him first.

Woo, a proper venue. When will Malta <3

Aminatafan
Aminatafan
7 years ago

Oh amazing! I would like to you Rezo, as a host. You are so hot??

AzeriBoy96
AzeriBoy96
7 years ago

@beccaboo1212 and Daniel
Thanks for the info, guys. I hope we will be returning then. 🙂

beccaboo1212
7 years ago

@AzeriBoy96 Azerbaijan debuted at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest back in 2012 in Amsterdam.

Ali
Ali
7 years ago

Oh it looks amazing and a bigger venue, at last. I hope more countries participate this year.

Daniel
Daniel
7 years ago

AzeriBoy96
They participated in 2012 and 2013 but then withdrew. They could return!

AzeriBoy96
AzeriBoy96
7 years ago

Ohh, that must be good news. Have Azerbaijan ever participate in this contest? I mean Georgia is our neighbours, we might debut then.

Lady Gagarina
Lady Gagarina
7 years ago

If Russia participates, this might be a new minefield for them. Let’s see how the Georgian host will fair & how they handle this vs Ukraine

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
7 years ago

Would this place be the best choice if they ever host the adult contest?

beccaboo1212
7 years ago

@PP Cyprus and Ireland already confirmed participation, so there’s no need for them to withdraw. Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania should never withdraw, even if they get bad results. Israel deserves withdrawal after being booed by a number of audience members in Valletta.

beccaboo1212
7 years ago

Finally, a bigger venue! 😀 Let’s just hope the following elements return this year: * Televoting * Automatic 12 points And now for my prediction on which countries are participating: * Albania * Armenia * Belarus * Bulgaria * Cyprus * France (returning) * Georgia (of course!) * Greece (returning) * Ireland * Italy * Macedonia * Malta * Montenegro (returning) * Netherlands * Poland * Russia * Serbia * Ukraine Withdrawing: * Australia (because I know why some people don’t want anyone from down under to compete, not that I agree or anything) * Israel (because of the bad… Read more »

PP
PP
7 years ago

I think that Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, San Marino , Cyprus and maybe Ireland witherdraw from 2017 contest because poor result last and past years.

Hayden
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

Why would some people don’t want anyone from down under? Can you give me, even just hints, as to why? I’m very curious…

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
7 years ago

YAY!!! As long as the show isn’t as disastrous as the 2016 one (not the songs, the hosting) then that is great. 10.000?? That iks great 🙂 I hop for 18 countries and a great hosting.