In the spotlight: Käärijä

Road to Vienna: Georgia We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest inVienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Georgia Bzikebi: From Junior Eurovision Winners to Eurovision 2026 Bzikebi is a Georgian trio that first gained international recognition as children. Formed in 2008, the group—Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili, and Mariam Kikuashvili—was created to compete in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008. Their quirky bee-themed performance of “Bzz…” won over audiences, earning Georgia its first-ever Junior Eurovision victory with 154 points. The win made Bzikebi the first group to ever win the competition and one of its most memorable acts. National Success and Popularity Following their victory, Bzikebi became national stars in Georgia. They released the album Zabuzey, performed widely, and remained active through TV appearances and special performances at later Junior Eurovision events. Their success cemented their place as icons of Georgian children’s pop music. Hiatus and Individual Paths Around 2012, the group went on hiatus as the members focused on education and personal growth. Giorgi Shiolashvili pursued a career in music, studying piano at the Tbilisi State Conservatory and later continuing his training abroad, becoming a skilled classical pianist. Meanwhile, the two Mariams stayed largely out of the spotlight, though all members remained connected to music. Their legacy lived on through initiatives like Bzikebi Studio in Tbilisi, inspiring a new generation of young artists. Eurovision 2026 Comeback Bzikebi reunited in 2025 with the single “We Don’t Sleep,” performed during Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Shortly after, it was confirmed that they will represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. On Replay: A Catchy Dance Anthem Built High-Energy Vibes and Nightlife Atmosphere This track is a vibrant dance anthem set in a neon-lit party scene. Instead of telling a detailed story, it focuses on creating a strong mood—immersing listeners in a world where music, movement, and energy take center stage. Let Go and Live the Moment At its core, the song delivers a clear message: stop overthinking and enjoy the present. Its lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the moment, making it highly relatable for fans of dance and electronic music. Built on Rhythm and Repetition The song stands out through its simple yet effective structure. Repetition plays a key role, with a catchy chorus designed to stay in your head. Playful vocal hooks like “la-la-la” and “tam-ta-ra-ram” add to its memorability, even with minimal lyrical depth. A Shared Party Experience Rather than focusing on individual stories, the track creates a sense of unity. It captures the feeling of being part of a collective celebration, where music connects everyone on the dance floor. Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest Georgia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 16 times since its debut in 2007. The country’s best results came in 2010 with Sofia Nizharadze‘s “Shine” and in 2011 with Eldrine‘s “One More Day,” both achieving ninth place. Last year, Nutsa Buzaladze managed to bring Georgia back to the final after six years.​ Last year’s entry, Mariam Shengelia with “Freedom,” failed to qualify for the final. The Bookmakers Georgia is currently ranked 29th with the bookmakers, making their chances of reaching the final a serious challenge.