Last year saw Tamara Gachechiladze give us a fiery performance of “Keep The Faith”. Now Georgia are going down a different road. For the first time ever, Georgia’s Public Broadcaster (GPB) are offering us a Georgian-language song, building on this year’s dominant theme of authenticity.

After being announced way back in December, Iriao’s entry “For You” is finally out. And with that the field is complete. We now know all 43 participating songs of Eurovision 2018!

IRIAO – “FOR YOU”

The members of Iriao join in throughout the song, adding complex harmonies and counter-melodies. This is a true combination of jazz, classic, polyphony and different complimentary melodies. It creates something definitely unique for the contest — there ain’t anything else like this.

The music video was shot in Saguramo, a scenic location north-west of Tbilisi. Zaza Orashvili — the man behind Junior Eurovision 2017’s postcards — directed the music video for the Georgian entry.

He will direct their Eurovision stage show as well. Production Designer is Shako Popiashvili and Megi Gabunia created five different costumes for the video. Finally, dancers of the ensemble “Erisioni” are involved in the music video.

The song is composed by Davit Malazonia, with the arrangement credited to Mikheil Mdinaradze. Irina Sanikidze penned the track’s lyrics.

WHO ARE IRIAO?

The band was originally founded by David Malazonia in 2013. David is considered to be one of the first Georgian composers to combine the genres of jazz and Georgian folk together. He’s also has a busy career as a composer. Over the last 30 years, he’s written for artists in both Georgia and Germany, and composed for both TV and theatre.

Iriao has cut their numbers for Eurovision from seven to five! The band currently has five members: Levan Abshilava (drums, percussion), Shalva Gelekva (bass), George Abashidze (vocals), Mikheil Javakhishvili (vocals) and Bidzina Murgulia (vocals).

What do you think about “For You”? Do you think Iriao has a chance of making the final? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Photo by Georgian Public Broadcaster

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103 Comments
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Buddhi
Buddhi
6 years ago

For my taste of music, I like this entry. It contains good vocals with amazing harmony. The melody is beautiful, but rises to its peak too slowly a bit. Overall, I like it and it lands in my top 5. Wish them the best in Lisbon.

Magpie
Magpie
6 years ago

Alright, I can’t deny it. This is my favourite song of the contest.

Definitely saving the best for last for me!

Endless
Endless
6 years ago

What I love is to hear some wiwiblogs ‘ s members stating that these Georgian guys do not sing in any language, that it is just a mix of strange sounds …but they love what came out from an egg layed by the love-making of Rihanna and Lady Gaga in a chickenyard…

suuperman
suuperman
6 years ago

Last ~45 seconds is really good, if only they’d started at that level and built even further…

Eva M.
Eva M.
6 years ago

I don’t think so. Different can be good, but this is different in the wrong way. The type of music I expect to hear at church around Chrismas.

poison
poison
6 years ago

It took a long time, but finally in the past couple of weeks the good songs came out! Prior to that, so many forgettable numbers and a couple of barkers. Eurovision may now be saved from one of the weakest fields in years.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

After 43 songs came out, I can say that this is a good year. None of the songs are bad. Some are underwhelming, generic or just don’t appeal to me, but neither is truly horrible. Yeah – I still cannot believe it! I still have to analyze it, but I don’t think that any song here will get lower than a 4. On the other hand, there will be several 9s and 10s, making this year very strong! Be free to disagree, but I will really enjoy ESC 2018.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I’m free to agree 🙂

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

For me, since Baku:
2015>2012>2016>2014>2013>2017>2018

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I agree with you in some parts. I don’t think it’s a bad year, but I don’t think it’s an exceptional year neither. My highest score this edition is 8.5 (Spain and Germany) and my lowest score is 2 (Belarus). But I also have a lot of 7, 6.75 or 6.5 (from my 10th to my 27th), which is fine! So, I think this is a rather good year with a lot of diversity, some interesting songs, some average ones and some songs I would like to get stuck in the SFs (San Marino, Moldavia, Russia and Belarus). Not a… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

For me:
2016>2012>2015>2018>2014>2017>2013

mrflamboyant221 (Kenna)
mrflamboyant221 (Kenna)
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

It’s 2012>2014>2015>2016>2013>2017>2018 for me.

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

Man, I love me some Georgia. I appreciate a country that sends whatever they want and doesn’t stick to their tired middle-of-the-road formulas like some others I could mention.
Folk-Jazz fusion by a polyphonic group entirely in Georgian? Check.
Screaming lady ballad about peace? Check.
Psicodelic pop-rock? Check.
G:son pop tune? Check.
Whatever 3 Minutes to Earth was? Check.
Well played Georgia, it may not be in my top 10, but it should qualify from its semi.

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

The Salvador Sobral effect. Sorry, but this music style/singing isn’t for me. Other people might appreciate it.

Bgc
Bgc
6 years ago

It’s a very accomplished piece that challenges the listener but also has a relaxing vibe to it. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, and it takes a few listens to “get” it so to speak, but it’s terrific to see a country that’s brave enough to try something like this. I’d fear for its chances in Semi 1, but I think it has more than enough quality to justify qualification from Semi 2. If it does make the final I hope it gets a second half draw because I think it would be a great song to close the evening… Read more »

Martin
Martin
6 years ago

Absolutely GREAT! Will be definitely within TOP 3. Finally something really valuable. I love the melody and the voices and orchestra too <3

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

I love countries that send whatever they want.

Tako Fan 123 being free
Tako Fan 123 being free
6 years ago

I miss Tako

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
6 years ago

I don’t. Like AT ALL.

Good luck Iriao!

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
6 years ago

I quite like the Georgian song and it’s definitely much better than Armenia & Azerbaijan.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago
Reply to  Henrikh Mugosa

Ummm no it’s not. This is trying to be Portugal 2016 but fails miserably at it.

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

Portugal didn’t take part in the contest in 2016, I guess you meant 2017…

Ummm… It’s probably not a winning song, but it has its charm. Anyway, me I’m bound to like anything that’s ethnic.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

The closest we could compare this with a Portuguese entry would probably be Senhora do Mar, but Portuguese fado is itself a much distinct genre.

SARA
SARA
6 years ago
Reply to  Henrikh Mugosa

idiot))))

neilabbott
neilabbott
6 years ago

Absolutely beautiful song. I love the diversity of music this year, there really is something for everyone.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

I like it’s slow tempo, it has a charm. And their voices are beautiful. Though, it doesn’t have a peak. It’s flat and forgettable. Not to mention it sounds dated. Nice try and I give them credit for singing in Georgian!

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

Dated? Which year are you refering to???

DyGh
DyGh
6 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

64 BC

Ron
Ron
6 years ago
Reply to  DyGh

@DyGh – Hahahha I’m dead.

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago
Reply to  DyGh

So we agree, the song is timeless!

ikiu
ikiu
6 years ago

Ok, now we have 50% of work done. the other 50% will be revealed on the eurovision stage, starting with rehearsals… Polls, bettings, youtube tops… these will be just orientative, because the real stuff will beging in Lisbon.
As for Georgia, very odd but I like it, very different than the rest of the songs

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

43rd place… I can’t remeber a SINGLE tune/word/part/anything…

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago

This is different! I like it!

All Wei
All Wei
6 years ago

Yah, Save The best for last and good old Georgia just did it!! Well DONE!! Epic I love this entry, finally something brave and original after all those generic Ikea poop songs we saw passing by!! With the right staging this will do good, it even may pass bye the danish song in semi2, as its more or less in the same pool they are swimming!! Good Luck Georgia, CYA in the Finals!! Greet from the Outlaws In ‘Em

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago

Best entry of 2018! This might go the same way as Portugal last year; Nobody thought a lot of it in the beginning but it eventually was recognized as true and honest music.

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

Saving the best for last? Definetly not the case here. I just find this boring, it does lift a bit towards the end but it takes ages to get there and feels longer than 3 minutes. Kind of reminds me of Croatia 2013 but worse. Won’t be seeing Georgia in the final this year either.

Julian
Julian
6 years ago

Not as good but looks a lot like Enya.

EUROFAN MEXICO
EUROFAN MEXICO
6 years ago

Wow better that i hoped, bautiful melody

lol
lol
6 years ago

Church music! I guess some people are into this. I thought Montenegro was going to be firmly in my last place, but after hearing this I finally know my number 43 lol.

Frysk
Frysk
6 years ago
Reply to  lol

Funny, I thought Greece was my nr 1, now it is Georgia

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

Finally something different this year, which has brought us really middle of the road standard quality but with not much edge, with the exception maybe of Israel, Italy, Hungry and Portugal. I think the song is bit messy and goes in many different directions. Presentation has also a lot of potential to be messed up. But all in all I like it a lot and I really wish it the best of luck. I don’t want to sound too whining, but this being now the last song to be known, I must say in general that I am bit disapointed… Read more »

Daniel_2017
Daniel_2017
6 years ago

God almighty, what is this?!

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago

Among the so many great songs I really like and enjoy this year and the huge variety of styles, I would love an entry with a European essence to win to promote our diversity against the americanisation we are experiencing in all artistic fields. I must say my support this year goes to Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, Spain, France and Portugal. Good luck to all!

Sangfreud
Sangfreud
6 years ago

So beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes, and I have no idea what the words mean. I had the same reaction the first time I heard Amar Pelos Dois last year. I think this one could cut through the crowd and really grab people’s hearts.

Big ups to Georgia for sending this gorgeous, unexpected music. My favorite ESC ever, seriously.

XXXXXXX NATALIA XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX NATALIA XXXXXXX
6 years ago

How humble you are Rezo,
It doesn’t matter, you like the song or not..
You describe its positive side, because it’s your own country.

Well, It’s different but I think It will haven’t much success in Lisbon.
In any case, Good luck Georgia!

Ana
Ana
6 years ago

IRIAO – FOR YOU Sun, rise up melt the snow warm up the one, who felt colder at night; shine not for me, but for us make the heart feel happy for others being happy; the sun rises in time, to give people warmth, and the earth keeps spinning with love. getting the feelings of others, giving away for others, what is heart, if not divided into 9 by 9 pieces and shared to others; the wind will take the rest away you own only that, what you give away. Day lights up the night, if I am by your… Read more »

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

My taste might be weird, but I like this a lot! Well staged and, specially, well sung live, this could make them qualify and even do well in the final.

zelenovi
zelenovi
6 years ago

You know what? Fair play to them. I would much rather see a country send a series of ‘difficult’, original and risky entries (even if most of them flop at the contest), than have a whole bunch of identical G:son songs or classical ballads in a row. Fair play Georgia for once again taking a risk, this is what keeps the contest interesting 🙂
(Also, there is always room in my life for Georgian polyphonic singing, I swear it’s one of the most beautiful sounds on earth).

zelenovi
zelenovi
6 years ago
Reply to  zelenovi

(I also just realised after posting this that Georgia actually sent a G:son composition once lol. But then they sent Mariko & the Shin the next year so… that compensated xD xD)

Marcus (Day One)
Marcus (Day One)
6 years ago
Reply to  zelenovi

G:son also reworked their 2015 2016 entries 🙂

zelenovi
zelenovi
6 years ago

Oh crap – so he did. Okay, conclusion: I know nothing about who writes ESC songs 😛 But still, a country that sends things like Visionary Dream, I’m a Joker, Three Minutes to Earth, Midnight Gold and this.. that’s still an original mindset and I appreciate it.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago
Reply to  zelenovi

Yeah, and the G:son composition was one of the worst things that Georgia ever sent.

x
x
6 years ago

it should be performed first since it’s suitable to be Eurovision’s opening title

oli
oli
6 years ago

Very interesting. For good or bad, it will stand out. It’s not an easy entry, but I think I like it.

RichUK
RichUK
6 years ago

I really like it to be honest. We have it all this year, all different genre’s. A nice addition to the contest.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

I say this very cautiously, because at this stage of the game I can’t yet see a potential winner, only songs I really like that I think will place well. But…this could be a dark horse candidate to win the whole thing. Why? It’s unique, it’s beautiful, it uses a national sound/language in the same way as the last two winners, it kinda has a hook (there has never been a hook-less Eurovision winner; even the less poppy winners like “1944” or “Nocturne” have noticeable hooks), and something about it just immediately stands out from the crowd. Is it my… Read more »

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

I like it. It’s peaceful. Reminds me of a choral song. No idea what it is about yet.

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

My top 43 with Georgia: https://youtu.be/bRwhDyzzL_s 🙂

Ana
Ana
6 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

IRIAO – FOR YOU Sun, rise up melt the snow warm up the one, who felt colder at night; shine not for me, but for us make the heart feel happy for others being happy; the sun rises in time, to give people warmth, and the earth keeps spinning with love. getting the feelings of others, giving away for others, what is heart, if not divided into 9 by 9 pieces and shared to others; the wind will take the rest away you own only that, what you give away. Day lights up the night, if I am by your… Read more »

John
John
6 years ago

Is their national anthem?

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  John

Hahaha yes!
This is what it sounds like.

I like it. Didn’t think there was much more diversity to be had after 42 songs…but we got it!

Jeff23
6 years ago

Beautiful
Good job Georgia

Luz
Luz
6 years ago

This is very lovely. I’m so pleasantly surprised by its beautiful harmonies and instrumentation. This one is going straight to my playlist. So soothing and atmospheric and mind you, based on some of their other videos, I had zero expectations. I’m hoping the audience will appreciate this and make it go to the Grand Final, it really deserve a place on May 12th. Well done Georgia!

Ari
Ari
6 years ago

I don’t know if I will ever listen to this out of the Eurovision bubble, but I commend Georgia for being “out there” and (for the first time ever, i think) not singing a word in English. They don’t need to go for a Swedish reject every year, although I enjoy the studio version of “Waterfall”. It’s interesting and that’s more than what can be said for many other entries.

Fonseca
Fonseca
6 years ago

Georgia is the male version of Estonia (in a good way).

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
6 years ago

Oh Georgia…
I was hoping for something like “Chemi Sikvaruli”, but “For You” doesn’t have its charm. Well, is it a bad song? No…, but this DJ is just disturbing me SO much, this song is SO much more sublime, and it’s not a good choice for Eurovision, I think.
Where are the jazzy vibes? Where did you go?

Ian
Ian
6 years ago

Semi-final 2 will surely be interesting. Having a very relaxed and pleasant song like Georgia is giving us here after a big performance like Serbia will surely give, and followed by Hungary’s high energy song. That just might help it stand out, something of a calm after and before the storm?

John Moynahan
John Moynahan
6 years ago

I think this belongs in another contest!
Have they mistaken this competition for the Eurovision Choir Contest?
God, semi final 2 is approving to be a major disappointment
Can we move a few entries from sf1 please?

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago
Reply to  John Moynahan

Couldn’t disagree more. Thank goodness for something else not performed with an American accent. There’s room for everything in the contest and things which stand out often win.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago
Reply to  John Moynahan

Better than some countries mistaking it for the Eurovision Staging Contest, IMO.

All Wei
All Wei
6 years ago
Reply to  John Moynahan

I think semi 2 has far more interesting and diff entries than the 1st one!! We dont know what might happen?? Its a Song contest, the best wins!!

Hippolyte
Hippolyte
6 years ago

Please where is the poll about “who should win eurovision” with the 43 songs? pleaaaseeeee

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago
Reply to  Hippolyte

Still waiting for 3 minute versions of Albania and Italy

Milan S.
Milan S.
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Easy enough for Albania, but Italy have to rewrite (the better) half of the song!

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago
Reply to  Milan S.

Easy for Albania?
Why?

Hippolyte
Hippolyte
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Oh but why was italy included in the previous polls then ?

Enchanted Lobster
Enchanted Lobster
6 years ago

Not as weird as I expected. It’s a lovely song, but it does sound christmas-y.

Skimur
Skimur
6 years ago

I like it. I am glad that another country turned to its national motives, and did not send another western ballad. Beautiful voices, a strong melody, the only wish is to slightly hide percussion, they stand out against the background of a soft melody. Obviously it’s not a winner, but I’ll be glad to see Georgia in the final.

kiraki
kiraki
6 years ago

Polyphonic singing at its finest. What an entry to conclude this Eurovision