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.”
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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.
This article doesn’t beat the allegations at all
How much was wiwibloggs paid for this ? It’s been for a while when wiwi was clearly pushing for certain delegations (probably paid deals) but this propaganda is next level . Disappointing
I’d say zero.
Every year there are some songs that Wiwibloggs tries to push so hard. It’s nothing new.
Remember the good old days of ESC when people just listened to the songs and didn’t get into artists’ personal lives. Let’s go back to that. Separate the art from the artist.
Absolutely agree. Unless a person is convicted (not just accused – anyone can be accused!) of some terrible crime, why should their personal beliefs matter more than their art?
Well yes, but hasn’t she performed at rallies supporting the Georgian Dream Party? You can’t blame people, especially those in Georgia, for noticing that. Although Rezo didn’t bother to ask about it.
I find it to be convincing to a certain degree. But she could have given an explanation why people would drag her name through the mud ‘for months’ and how this would show. Other than that, her answers sound genuine to me.
Wiwibloggs, it is very unprofessional to post something like this and attempt to clear her name without any proof that the accusations against Mariam are just false. How can you publish post like this without any validations?
You could have simply asked her one question: ‘What do you think about LGBT rights in Georgia?’ Her response would have made her stance very clear.
Very disappointed.
Since when is the burden of proof on the defence?
Also, even if it IS unprofessional… maybe that’s because the Wiwi volunteer reporters are indeed NOT professional. They signed up to cover an entertainment show, not be War Correspondent for Le Monde.
I for one appreciate your work, guys, and the effort you all put in to keep us informed.
Glad I never believed social-media comments about her being a bad person. Besides, I watch Eurovision for the music. I could care less of their political preferences.
The world was a lot simpler when we just had the Soviet Union
What’s that supposed to mean?
Simpler for who?
Didn’t say better Jonas, just simpler. The Eurovision Song Contest was a lot simpler, for a start. And it had twice the viewers it does now, in my country,
This is a strong contender for one of the worst posts in wiwi history
It’s definitely on par with those posts that got over 100 downvotes lol
You did not just say that!? 😮
Ever since the Cold War between the US and the USSR the world has turned bad, countries like mine have lost most of its priviledges and freedoms to decide for ourselves since 1974.
Name one, just one, freedom you as a Greek has lost.
They lost pederasty with the Stalinists
Not somebody justifying russian colonialism in the comments
Georgian Public Broadcaster choose her, and Georgian Public Broadcaster is under total control of Georgian Dream, pro russian party that stole the Georgian election. So even for us who are not from Georgia and who have no a slight idea what is happening there, its easy to figure out that she is a regime choice. Also, the name of a song – freedome, i mean, it says a lot. To send a song with this name in time when things are boiling up in Georgia, only autocrats as current georgian regime can do such things. I would say good luck… Read more »
Can someone fill us in on this whole thing. Thanx.
OK, I read David’s post below.
Aaaand other posts as well. You b****** stop downvoting lmao.
I like the song and i don’t get how it’s pro-Russian in any way.
Also, Photoshop? She does realize there were videos, right?
She’s referencing a particular screenshot here, that was in fact faked. She supports the party but has never done anything homophobic. One does not equal the other.
Is the party homophobic? If so, supporting it is indeed an act homophobic indifference.
Act of
Still the very fact people feel the need to create fake statements of hers because they cannot find any real ones, is at least somewhat fishy to me. She might support the party for purely pragmatic reasons like money, not that it makes her anymore sympathetic.
And bending your morals and ideals for money is any better?
A philosophical question: if more weight should be given to somebody’s stance on LGBT rights than to their song, does it make ESC a song contest or a pick-the-LGBT-friendliest-act contest?
A practical question : who suggested that?
Who suggested what?
That more weight should be given to somebody’s stance on gay rights than to the actual song.
Nobody suggested that – yet.
Let me remind you that last year’s Israeli representative Eden Golan also showed signs of approving Russia’s regime. She had many times illegally visited the occupied Crimea and worked together with people who openly support Russian invasion to Ukraine.
Ukraine put her on a list of people who are accused of committing crimes for her visits to Crimea.
I read Zelensky is considering caving on Crimea. Obviously forced into this horrible position, but some residents are feeling betrayed.
That’s what Trump wants and wouldn’t be surprised anymore if that turns out to be true but I hope they don’t give Crimea up
Note that she didn’t actually say anything directly contradicting the accusations. Nobody point-blank asked her “do you support Georgian Dream”? Why make this article in the first place if you’re going to softball it so badly? Wiwi is usually better than this. Don’t make an article like this if you don’t plan on actually holding the artist(s) accountable.
Thank you.
Hm, now I don’t know what to believe!
I was thinking just the same.
Yes, but in all honesty, I’m sure she wants a life where she CAN approach a window and not be terrified.
Maybe because Eurovision is supposed to* be free of politics, and that question is as far from it as possible.
*doesn’t mean it is, ofc
I think it’s as authentic as the Israel representative claiming that she’s singing for light, peace and love and against darkness.
Alright, but the thing is: do we really have any sort of proof these accusations were true? Or are we just jumping on a bandwagon because everybody else does too?
I’m Georgian and i wanted other artist to go to Eurovision instead of her but here is what has really happened: People who were against her way before eurovision exactly knew what they were doing. In Georgia only way to destroy someone’s public image you need to accuse them to pro Russian. In Eurovision only way to destroy someone’s public image among fans you need to accuse them to be homophobic and guess what happened, Mariam “Turned out” to be pro russian and homophobic hahaha. I wanted Nini Iris to represent us, but those claims about Mariam is so far… Read more »
Thank you for explaining.
She might be involved in government funded events but looking over her social medias and accuse her to be anti-gay is bizzare lol. I read in one outlet that fans of other artist who wanted to go to esc have created that fake screenshot! really sad!
These activists are the same people who were protesting against Israel and sending death threats to Eden Golan. They just want to be angry about something because they feed off that energy. The people who are saying that Mariam is pro-Russian are the same ones who said, and I quote, “I would be better off with bombs falling on my head than to look at my government not being involved in the Russia-Ukraine war,” while our government was keeping us safe. Now, you — international Eurovision fans — decide if she is what these people claim. She is one of… Read more »
So inaccurate- Isreal killed 400 children this week – if you think people are just enraged about that because “they feed off negative energy” you have truly bought into the Zionist propaganda hook line and sinker
Move to Moscow then.
Thank you Mariam for speaking to us. I really like the song “Freedom” because it’s different to anything else in the competition. I hope you can focus on the performance, stay true to yourself and enjoy your moments at Eurovision.
If you think anything about this is true to anyone or anything, I’ve got a bridge I’d like to sell you
No worries, I understand the situation.
Money matters, thats all I can say.
I don‘t believe that Freedom is a honest song while georgian people protest against the government for months now..
Nice laundry of a dictatorship wiwibloggs!
But how are you so sure about that?
Oh come on
But hats off for not deleting the comment
What a breathtakingly strong argument – “Oh come on”. Wow. From now on I’ll believe everything you say.
Because he read it somewhere and now he thinks he knows haha