Within 24 hours of Eurovision 2020 being cancelled, the Georgian broadcaster GPB announced that their 2020 representative -Tornike Kipiani - would remain as Georgia’s entrant and compete in Rotterdam in 2021.
Tornike was born in Georgia in 1987, is a father of 3 children and a practicing Architect. He has a solid singing history having been XFactor winner in 2014, Georgian Idol winner in 2019 ( where he was mentored by ESC singer Tamta, Cyprus 2019), and a previous shot at ESC preselection in 2017. He formed his own band when he was 19 and says he has “accidentally” become a vocalist after he couldn’t get a lead vocalist for his band many years ago.
His song for 2021 is “You”. It is a pop rock ballad that he composed and it is completely different from his powerful raspy 2020 rock shoutfest “Take Me As I Am”. Although he has surrendered much of his unique singing style for the introduction in this lilting ballad, I found it a welcome change to the other entries in the Eurovision line-up this year.
This love song opens with soft guitar and Tornike’s gentle vocals, but with each layer gradually added to the musical score- percussion, strings, girls choir and finally rock band - it builds to a climax showcasing his uniquely powerful and controlled performance. He is a versatile artist.
His artistic director for staging in Rotterdam is Emilia Sandquist ( having completed numerous Melodifestivalen assignments) and I hope she does not add too much to distract from Tornike’s performance. Sometimes simple is best and his “stand and deliver” approach makes an easy listening but powerful statement. I like it a lot, and much more than his previous song in 2020.
Georgia’s best placings have been 9th in 2010 and 2011, however I am predicting Tornike will make the finals and hopefully place higher on the scoreboard. Good luck Georgia.