Tornike Kipiani You Georgia Eurovision 2021

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 39 competing songs in Eurovision 2021. Next we listen to Georgia where Tornike Kipiani has “You”. Did we enjoy his moody tune? Read on to find out!

Tornike Kipiani – “You”

“You” reviews

Lucy: Sometimes simplicity can soar, and that’s exactly what’s happened with “You”. Understated and beautiful, Tornike’s second attempt at Eurovision is unique to anything ever entered in Eurovision before. This calm and romantic sound is popular right now too, with Harry Styles mastering the genre (no really, I compared Tornike to Harry Styles). Do I think it’ll qualify? No, I really don’t, but with Georgia, you never know. Their choices for Eurovision will never be safe, and for that, I will always applaud them. “You” is gorgeous, and I’m very interested in how they even stage this.

Score: 7

Oliver: Georgia is known for bringing a signature uniqueness to the Eurovision stage. And this year, that’s no different. “You” has a lavish instrumentation, and Tornike Kipiani creates a cinematic soundscape, offering some refreshing ideas. But unfortunately, the song itself is tiresome. The lyrics are dull, the development predictable, and the overall vibe dreary. Within the first 30 seconds, we’ve heard everything interesting that “You” has to offer. As a full three minute track, the song feels lengthy and tedious.

Score: 4.5

Calvin: Whatever you think about “You”, Georgia always brings something special to Eurovision. Despite the mixed reaction last year, they chose another song that’s authentic to Tornike rather than a mainstream production. And I respect that. The song is a bit too dreamy for me and lacks the energy we all know Tornike has inside of him. However, my biggest issue with this song is the tempo. It’s simply too slow and I’m impatiently waiting for something to happen while the created atmosphere struggles to grab me. The focus should be more on his voice than on the instrumentation too.

Score: 2

Deban: There is so much I love about ‘You”. As comforting as sipping chamomile tea whilst wrapped up in a heated blanket, 2021’s Georgian entry takes the listener on a calming three-minute journey. Tornike transitions from the aggro-rock offering of 2020’s “Take Me As I Am” to something resoundingly mellifluous. When he sings, he emotes. When he stares at the camera, his eyes pierce into your soul. This is sunshine pop with a rocky edge. However, will this impact audiences when sandwiched between 38 other songs? I seriously doubt it. “You” is a song best enjoyed — not one to be judged.

Score: 5

Robyn: I rather like this song, with Tornike’s giving hints of Leonard Cohen crossed with a 1970s rock-opera ballad and hints of dreamy R&B. But it doesn’t feel like the right kind of song for Eurovision. It’s more like the sort of music that would soundtrack an evening well spent at a Tbilisi dive bar. Having said that, Georgia is known for creating wild moments with its staging and Tornike could surprise everyone in Rotterdam.

Score: 6

Tornike Kipiani – “You” rankings

In the Wiwi Jury we have 24 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Antranig: 3

Diego: 5

Erdi: 1.5

Esma: 4

Jonathan: 4.5

Jordi: 5

Josh: 4

Julian: 3

Kristín: 5

Lauren: 1

Luis: 5.5

Natalie: 2.5

Pablo: 2

Renske: 5

Ron: 3

Sebastian: 1

Tobias: 4

Tom: 5.5

William: 3

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 1 and a high of 7.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 3.82/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See all our Eurovision 2021 reviews and rankings

75 Comments
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Boreal
Boreal
2 years ago

Deban is the only one who understands and feels good music.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

What a waste of taxpayers money for Georgia. I read that they hired Sacha Baptise for staging? Really? Why would they spend money on his staging.

nycforever
nycforever
2 years ago

I think Georgians are masochists. Again we won’t see them in the final since 2016. I would love to see them there so much. They gave us very interesting and good acts till 2016. What happened next? Actually they had a very good chance last year. They were 14th in the bookies odds, and I think final standing could be even better. That’s why I hoped that this time they would bring something very powerful taking into account Tornike’s voice and his music style. And then they brought this. Such a disappointment. I think it’s the hugest downgrade by a… Read more »

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
2 years ago

The Virgin Georgia in Senior ESC.
The Chad Georgia in Junior ESC.

Jokes aside, I truly hope someday Georgia can excel in the Senior Contest in the same way it’s a powerhouse in Junior. I mean, Tbilisi seems like a city with buldings capable of hosting events like Eurovision, such as Tbilisi Sports Palace or Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena.

Last edited 2 years ago by Iván el Conquistador
Sot
Sot
2 years ago

E x c e l l e n t r e p r e s e n t a t i o n

Serafina
Serafina
2 years ago

Deban has such a weird taste lol, he been hating everything that’s at least half decent, and then we get to this and here I was expecting him to give it a zero and he gave it a 5?? Even more than what he gave Omaga? And also just a single point below what he gave italy?

Last edited 2 years ago by Serafina
Deban Aderemi
Deban Aderemi
2 years ago
Reply to  Serafina

Correction: Two points below Italy

Dolly
Dolly
2 years ago

I’ve looked at erdis votes and the great Terry Wogan would say are they listening to the same songs as the rest of us , poor poor voting on their behalf throughout . I would say needs replacing next year

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

I deeply respect Georgia’s trajectory in Eurovision, because they’re always dancing to the beat of their own drums (maybe too calm drums to dance this time). “You” is so minimalist that it will probably and understandably go unnoticed. But it’s a very relaxing track with interesting vocals, bringing something ethereal to the contest. The lyrics are excessively simple, and the “ocean, I wanna hear you” bothers me a bit. Since we can actually hear the ocean, it breaks the ongoing chain of metaphors involving nature. 5.75/10

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

Wiwi Juries’ current TOP 28 Italy (7.7) (=) Ireland (7.7) Cyprus (7.45) Finland (7.34) Ukraine (7.32) Russia (7.18) Sweden (7.14) Greece (6.82) (=) United Kingdom (6.82) Croatia (6.75) Azerbaijan (6.57) Israel (6.45) Latvia (6.34) Belgium (6.16) (=) Czech Republic (6.16) Serbia (6.09) Albania (5.89) (=) Norway (5.89) Spain (5.34) Germany (5.14) Estonia (5.07) Austria (4.89) Denmark (4.84) (=) Slovenia (4.84) Poland (4.5) Portugal (4.32) North Macedonia (4.05) Georgia (3.82) My personal TOP 28 Italy (My 2nd) Greece (My 4th) Ukraine (My 7th) Belgium (My 10th) Finland (My 11th) Estonia (My 12th) Russia (My 13th) Serbia (My 14th) United Kingdom (My… Read more »

Zisk
Zisk
2 years ago

Deban on the nose yet again.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

GEORGIA – I always admire someone taking a risk, and Georgia is known for doing so more often than not. This song is unique in its slow, atmospheric build-up, and only one final chorus. The lyrics are simple and calming, but they are probably used more as a backdrop to the soothing instrumental. There is a cinematic feel to it in the beginning, but the middle part is not as exciting. For a song this dependent on an atmosphere, it leaves me surprisingly cold. It might be contributed to Tornike coming off as a distant performer. Thus, what could have… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Our podium of biggest differences (something tells me we’ll mostly agree from now on, unless you’re too generous to Moldova or happen to hate any of the other remaining entries) is Germany, Portugal and Poland. Georgia is probably in a top 10. Do you see the pattern too? I would say it’s that you’re easier to be amused and I’m harder to be bored.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

You are definitely onto something here. 🙂 I am certainly among the most benevolent readers when it comes to comedic acts. Usually, I even like some slow atmospheric ballads, but I feel like this year has some which just crossed to the boring territory. Georgia, despite what most negative reviews say, isn’t that boring to me, as much as it’s unnerving. I just feel like he is spreading ice instead of warmth, and I don’t think that this entry is supposed to be eerie. But yes, I believe that you are more likely to appreciate the nuances of more linear… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

See? Slovenia being in your bottom 3 also prove my theory. You’re more in sync with the fandom and WiwiJury in this department, it’s like you guys shut down to the qualities of an entry when they fail to excite you. I respect it and I don’t firmly disagree with your lack of excitement (I mean, the biggest grade I gave to these songs was a 6, both to Portugal and Slovenia), but I like to look past it and usually can find good things about them. With all this in mind, the fact North Macedonia is the only entry… Read more »

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

”I know will get a higher post-contest grade, because they’ll probably nail the presentation” This is mostly why I’m thinking about already rating it like I know they will. I sense a Doredos 2.0. in the air. Same with Cyprus. My rating is slightly higher, because I count on Elena’s good vocals, paired with dark and dynamic staging, costly paid by Swedish and Canadian money. I expect to enjoy it. There is an outlier regarding slow, atmospheric songs in my ranking. There is one that fits this description, yet I rated it VERY high. Yeah, NM is a disaster. I… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I take in consideration staging possibilities, but sometimes it’s hard to do it when we just have a music video. So I prefer being a little more “conservative” with the pre-contest grade and raise it later than have to do the opposite. In Moldova’s case, I’m also taking her live performance for “Prison”, which wasn’t great. And this demands more from her, since she’ll be dancing too. But this already starts from a higher place than DoReDos in my book.

Dawid
Dawid
2 years ago

I’ve had 4 attempts but couldn’t sit through it even once. First time it happened to me tbh

Thanos
Thanos
2 years ago

9. Georgia: Surprisingly enough, I find this song extremely soothing and pleasant. It has a nostalgic and relaxing feel and I enjoy listening to it!!

Viggz
Viggz
2 years ago

It’s a chill song, maybe not a song for Eurovision, but the video is beautiful tho.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Hmm what can I say about this? Well.. first of all, Tornike has a great voice, we can’t deny him that and I also find him to be one of the hottest guys participating this year. (Definitely my type).
Now for the song. While Tornike has a great voice and he sells the song well, I can’t get behind it. It’s quite forgettable and like many other songs that we get every year at ESC. The juries might enjoy this, but I can’t imagine the televote enjoying it as much. Best of luck Georgia, Best of luck Tornike. – 4/10

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
2 years ago

Where does simplicity end and oversimplification begin? Frankly, I don’t know. “You”’s verses are like empty bags that can be filled with meaning. Their austerity brings each of the song’s subjects to the very boundary of materiality. Just as “a rose is a rose is a rose”, in Tornike’s words a mountain is a mountain is a mountain, with all its properties condensed in two syllables. As far as I’m concerned, this song is about the similitude of the relation between man and nature, and the interpersonal bonds such as love and amity. Was that the author’s intention? I doubt… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Skiwalko
Lil Krumpy
Lil Krumpy
2 years ago

My fourth place. The biggest vibe of the year. Really hope he slays live.

Héctor
Héctor
2 years ago

I mean, I know it is underproduced, amateurish and a bit cheesy. But I think that simplicity makes it beautiful and takes thee song to another level when compared to other participants. It doesn’t try to be the quintessence, it doesn’t try to follow a trend. Just a man, a guitar, some drums, some feelings and a love song. Sometimes that’s all you need. That’s music too. 6.5/10 Georgia is my 20th. 2. Ireland (8.25) 6. Spain (7.5) 7. Finland (7.5) 8. Sweden (7.25) 11. Czech Republic (7.25) 12. Italy (7.25) 14. Ukraine (7) 15. Greece (7) 17. Belgium (6.75)… Read more »

Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago

Georgia frequently tends to miss the mark, but the more times they compete, the less I think they’re even aiming at that mark. All Georgia wants to do, is show Europe who they are. In a way, that’s charming and characteristic. In another, that means Georgia’s entries are often out of place and many people find themselves unable to connect. ‘You’ is no different. If you look at several other Georgian entries with that same factor, look at Sopho in 2007, Eldrine in 2011, The Shin & Mariko in 2014, Whatever the 2016 guys were called… Iriao in 2018, Oto… Read more »

Escfan
Escfan
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

What’s your thoughts on 2015? I’m curious because it was a fan favourite.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

Interestingly, despite our different tastes in some cases, I absolutely agree with you on this one. Waterfall, as especially Midnight Gold, are my favorite Georgian songs of the last decade.

Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

Actually, Georgia has one of my biggest Eurovision guilty pleasures, it being 2014, Three Minutes To Earth xD

sam
sam
2 years ago

tornike is so hot i think georgia every year has the hottest male representative i would marry him even tho i will get downvoted for this tornike is the best male vocalist this year

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

I don’t care if most of you can’t stand this song. I like listening to it. I have a real soft spot for touching simplicity. This song also reminds me of my first ever attempt at poetry, so it resonates with me personally.

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

Exactly. The ones that will stay in the semi it will be 100% their fault, cause here mostly the performance will matter on the free 3 spots that will be fought among Moldova, Austria,Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Portugal and Georgia, because the others are certain qualifiers no matter what

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

For me this is the worst song of the year. Boring sound, cheesy lyrics, and forgettable presence. Tornike has proven us that he is a great vocalist and that can sing with “Take me as I am”. And last year, he wasn’t a fan favourite, but his song was so diverse and unique, and as a result you could only love it or hate it. This simply means nothing to me, this is not a Tornike’s style song on my opinion.

I sadly have to give this a 2/10, because that song doesn’t deserve more, whoever the singer is.

Paul
Paul
2 years ago

I genuinely don’t get the amount of hate this song gets. It’s not a winner but I feel like it’s much more middle of the pack than the bottom

Ale
Ale
2 years ago

that pic of him is so hot

Kosey
Kosey
2 years ago

3. Georgia – Tornike Kipiani – You – 9.5/10 – the biggest surprise of the year. I experience chills and bursting tear ducts whenever this song comes on, such is the deep, emotional resonance. Tornike talks about the simple, yet most important, aspects of my experience of life. A solitary and gentle guitar and vocal to start with, lifting to a conclusion as wide as the universe and everything within it. This is a song in which we accept the passage of time and embrace the universality of love. The “You” can be whatever you want it to be –… Read more »

Emily
Emily
2 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Lovely review, Kosey!

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

I think your 9.5 should go to the listener, not the person who wrote the lyrics – your review is very nice, but it’s you who has done the work.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

a cute esoteric song y’all were too harsh

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago

he can you may not like him but he can sing

Jessie
Jessie
2 years ago

nq next

rainer1
rainer1
2 years ago

And still you compare every song with “tout l’universe”?

Whoareyou?
Whoareyou?
2 years ago

Yep, he is definitely much more original.

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago

Am I the only one who thinks Tornike would be a much more deserved winner than a certain wannabe Swedish song?

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

you’re obsessed omg

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago

Everybody hates on Tornike, I think he is not that bad, while some other acts are clearly overhyped

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago

She actually is, I can’t and don’t want to deny she is the best vocalist by far (with Eden). The problem is the song that is catchy, but nothing more indeed

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

Are you talking about Cyprus? Or Malta? Or both?

Whoareyou?
Whoareyou?
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

I love how Cyprus and Malta get all the criticism, while other counties copying last winners or bringing generic material are not receiving any criticism.

Last edited 2 years ago by Whoareyou?
Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  Whoareyou?

More than generic. Cyprus is even a case of plagiarism..

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Whoareyou?

The producers of Arcade and Tout l’Univers are the same, so it’s definitely not a copy, they’re just trying to win with the same formula for the second time. Now I’d ask a question to Gjon’s haters: what did you think about Arcade?

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

I was talking about Malta, but it could apply to Cyprus too

And by the way I don’t even think Je Me Casse is bad, but I am quite tired of fans bashing Tusse for being generic and hyping other generic Swedish productions

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

To be fair, the mere fact of being produced by Swedes is not what makes a song generic. And being generic is not what makes a song disliked. Being overrated by the juries *because* it is representing Sweden is what makes most people upset. I doubt that people would riot if Tusse qualifies as 7th by the juries and 10th by the televote. But if he finishes 3rd by the juries and 13th by the televote, and still qualifies, it would just feel like deja-vu from 2018. And there are more deserving songs in that semi.

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I can understand that and I know why people hate Sweden for being constantly pushed by juries, but we have to be honest and the problem is in what juries search in Eurovision songs, that criteria should be changed or we will have only radio friendly pop songs and well produced ballads high in the ranking. When other countries bring Swedish radio friendly productions, they’re always high in the jury ranking even with really bad vocal performances (like Tamta and Samra). I don’t think it’s fair to say Sweden is overrated for being Sweden, but it is for bringing what… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Giolo
Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

This is an interesting opinion, Giolo. I’ll think about it. I thought it’s a magical combination of well produced pop bangers and ballads, and a subconscious positive bias because most juries would have some positive experiences with Swedish writers / designers / performers. Thus, I believe that they are ready to pitch in. NOT because they are bribed or pressured (I would never think like that of Swedish delegation), but because they grew to like them due to previous collaborations, and it happens subconsciously. I might be mistaken, and the production values and chart success is the only main criteria… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Maybe you’re right and it’s a mix between both things, really like your point of view, never thought like this before, it makes sense to me. I really enjoy to chat with you Colin, you’re really a smart and thoughtful individual 🙂

I can understand you about the SF1 topic, only Cyprus and Australia wouldn’t be among my qualifiers if they were in semi 2, while every other country would.

Last edited 2 years ago by Giolo
Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

Thank you very much, Giolo. I really appreciate your kind words. I look forward to our future chats. 🙂

Semi 1 is much harder, so for me, there are a few countries that would be borderlines in semi 2. Only North Macedonia and the current version of Slovenia (but it will be revamped) would definitely fail to qualify from both semis in my taste.

Leo
Leo
2 years ago

The problem with the song is that it starts very smooth and great but in the middle it gets really boring

Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago

Yikes! This song is definitely not for everyone. His delivery is very cold and very indifferent for a song that’s supposed to be emotional. I don’t dislike the song . I don’t like the way it’s presented. Haven’t heard him live so don’t really know. His last year’s song was more competitive but I like this one better. His gritty voice Is different than others.

6/10

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Kristian

I think he won the X-Factor of Ukraine or something so he’s definitely got a decent voice

Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

I like his voice. I want to see his live delivery of the song. If he stares blankly at me while singing this song , I would definitely not want to ‘be with him ‘.

Emily
Emily
2 years ago

23) Georgia –

I feel like I’m part of a very small minority who really enjoys this one. As I’ve said before, it’s pretty atmospheric and in parts reminds me of Badly Drawn Boy’s older stuff. However, do I think it has any chance of qualifying? As much as I like the song, its chances are very slim. Still, it’s very pleasant to my ears – it’s just nice. 6/10

Impressive Instants
Impressive Instants
2 years ago

The lyrics here are ridiculous.

AMonsterLikeMe
AMonsterLikeMe
2 years ago

I think fans’ reception towards Georgia Portugal and Belgium this year just proves once again that when you all say you want diversity you’re simply lying. Diversity in bops perhaps? And I just hate all this “owh, this is nice, owh I like this, owh this and that” sugarcoating and then going “BUT not for Eurovision” and giving it a 5. What is for Eurovision then? Open up! But only for conventional mainstream entries. The worst thing is that the juries do the same – they just reward songs based on their taste instead of defending quality. And Deban, your… Read more »

Erasmus
Erasmus
2 years ago
Reply to  AMonsterLikeMe

I do agree, Belgium is amazing! Portugal and Georgia are not among my favourites but are still quality entries in their own way and do deserve to qualify over the likes of Latvia who got a very high score.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
2 years ago
Reply to  AMonsterLikeMe

Belgium is very liked by the fans. What are you talking about? Portugal and Georgia on the other hand tho.

Escfan
Escfan
2 years ago
Reply to  AMonsterLikeMe

Um, no, people can like diversity and not like those songs. You can have diversity through language and genre.

In terms of jurors, yes, they may award points similarly because they follow criteria, radio friendly, composition, staging, vocals, originality etc. Portugal Denmark and Georgia can get jury points based on some of these factors.

And although they do vote on this criteria basis, they also have their own opinions and preferences so if a song is not their taste, then like, it should be fine.

Jade
Jade
2 years ago
Reply to  Escfan

It shouldn’t be fine. A single jury’s vote is worth hundreds of viewers’ votes in their country. Why should their taste be treated as superior? They’re there to evaluate entries as objectively as possible. I disagree that the songs should be rated based on radio friendliness, the viewers should decide that. They should reward qualities that the average listener might overlook, such as ethnic elements their ear is not used to and therefore rejects. Sadly, juries are often worse than the neighbor voters, they often vote for the neighbor countries themselves lol, and discriminate against more traditional, ethnic sound even… Read more »

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago
Reply to  AMonsterLikeMe

it sends me how your puns always get downvoted, as if the average person wasn’t smart enough to understand them

Erasmus
Erasmus
2 years ago

HAHAHA, I always find your comments funny;)

Ang
Ang
2 years ago
Reply to  AMonsterLikeMe

Mr VB, I’m sorry but if you fart like that, you really need to see a proctologist, dear.

Mircs
Mircs
2 years ago

i guess it’s a song where you have to take your own time to find the beauty in it. At first I found it kind of boring – thought this would be my personal toilet break in the semi. However, after sitting on the balcony, sipping coffee and watching birds fly I found myself very much enjoying the peacefullness and calmness in this song escpecially towards the end. As Oliver stated it’s a musical landscape and for everyone it’s another view. Sadly in terms of the competition I don’t see it going to the final as I would really like… Read more »

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

Georgia 5/10 – definitely NQ

Grft
Grft
2 years ago

Could you please update the full ranking of the already scored songs?? Thanks !

canada_piano
canada_piano
2 years ago

i think the score is a bit harsh. you is a song that has really grown on me and i appreciate its simplicity and ending

Errret
Errret
2 years ago

Surely this isn’t the worst