Junior Eurovision 2025: Georgia Hosts Tonight’s Exciting Contest
Tonight, Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will host the 23rd edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The event begins at 17:00 CET at the Gymnastic Hall of Olympic City. This year, 18 countries are set to compete, featuring several returning participants.
Returning Countries and Participants
Among the 18 competing nations, three are making a return to the contest:
- Croatia – last competed in 2014
- Montenegro – last participated in 2015
- Azerbaijan – last took part in 2021
Estonia and Germany have withdrawn from this year’s competition.
The participating countries and their performing artists are as follows:
- Malta: Eliza Borg – “I Believe”
- Azerbaijan: Yağmur – “Miau miau”
- Croatia: Marino Vrgoč – “Snovi”
- San Marino: Martina CRV – “Beyond the Stars”
- Armenia: Albert Armenakyan – “Brave Heart”
- Ukraine: Sofia Nersesian – “Motanka”
- Ireland: Lottie O’Driscoll Murray – “Rúin”
- Netherlands: Meadow – “Freeze”
- Poland: Marianna Kłos – “Brightest Light”
- North Macedonia: Nela Mančeska – “Miracle”
- Montenegro: Asja Džogović – “I tužna i srećna priča”
- Italy: Leonardo Giovannangeli – “Rockstar”
- Portugal: Inês Gonçalves – “Para onde vai o amor?”
- Spain: Gonzalo Pinillos – “Érase Una Vez (Once Upon a Time)”
- Georgia: Anita Abgariani – “Shine Like a Star”
- Cyprus: Rafaella & Christos – “Away”
- France: Lou Deleuze – “Ce monde”
- Albania: Kroni Pula – “Fruta perime”
Hosts and Show Features
This year, the contest will be hosted by David Aladashvili and Liza Tsiklauri. This marks the first time since 2017 that Tbilisi will have two hosts for the event. Aladashvili is a renowned musician with a rich background in music education and performance. Tsiklauri has established herself as an experienced journalist and presenter.
The opening performance will showcase 110 children, orchestrated by director Basa Potskhishvili and choreographer Tamar Potskhishvili. The theme is centered around a symbolic tree representing children’s dreams and wishes, which will be part of a flag parade featuring the participating nations.
Notable Performances
Three past winners of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will return to perform new songs:
- Bzikebi – winner in 2008
- Candy – winner in 2011
- Andria Putkaradze – winner in 2024
All three will debut songs crafted by esteemed songwriter Giga Kukhianidze, known for his prolific contributions to Junior Eurovision.
Voting Process
The winner will be determined through a combination of jury voting and online public voting, each accounting for 50% of the total score. Jury votes occurred during the Jury Grand Final held last night, and online voting commenced yesterday evening and will conclude during the live show.
To participate in voting, viewers must visit JESC.tv, select three countries, and may vote for their own nation. Voting will be available after the final performance for 15 minutes, allowing global viewers to participate regardless of their country’s involvement.
