Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest

Infobox Eurovision country
Name = Georgia

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Member station = Georgian Public Broadcasting (GPB)
ESC apps = 2
ESC first = 2007
ESC best = 11th, 2008
ESC worst = 12th, 2007
Website = [http://www.eurovision-georgia.ge/ GPB page]
EBU page = http://www.eurovision.tv/index/main?page=67&country=50

Georgia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, debuting at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007.

2007 debut

On 27 October 2006, Georgia, confirmed that they wished to debut at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. [cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/news/read/6622|title=Georgia set on 2007|last=West-Soley|first=Richard|date=2006-10-27|publisher="ESCToday"|accessdate=2008-09-04] At that time, the EBU still limited the contest to a maximum of 40 countries, however, in March 2007, it was announced that all 42 applicants would participate in the 2007 Contest in Helsinki. At the contest, Georgia managed to progress from the semi-final (where it scored 123 points, finishing eighth), but only came 12th (out of 24) in the final.

2008 entrance

Georgia appeared for its second time in the contest for 2008. It had slightly better luck than in 2007, progressing from the semi-final (where it scored 107 points, finishing fifth) and coming in 11th (out of 25) in the final.

2009 withdrawal

Due to the current war in South Ossetia, it had been debated by Georgian Public Broadcasting (GBP) whether Georgia would be present at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow. [cite web |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3918 |title=Georgian participation in Eurovision 2009 now questioned |author=Economou, Thanasis |publisher="Oikotimes" |date=2008-08-11|accessdate=2008-08-11] GPB chairman Margus Allikmaastated that it would not be unreasonable to withdraw, but that they were under a time restraint since a national selection event would have to be organized if they chose to participate. [cite web|url=http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6419&Itemid=65|title=Georgia ally Estonia could boycott 2009 Eurovision in Moscow |last=AFP|date=2008-08-21|publisher="Georgian Daily"|accessdate=2008-08-21] On 28 August 2008, GBP announced that Georgia would withdraw from the 2009 contest, citing that they refuse to compete in a "country that violates human rights and international laws", as well as doubts being cast on the safety of their participants. [cite web |url=http://www.esckaz.com/2008/ |title=Georgian broadcaster confirms Eurovision boycott |publisher="ESCKaz" |date=2008-08-28|accessdate=2008-08-28] [cite web |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3987 |title=GPB officially withdraws from Eurovision 2009 |author=Tongeren, Mario van|date=2008-08-28|publisher="Oikotimes"|accessdate=2008-08-28] [cite web|url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/12233|title=Georgia will not participate in Moscow Eurovision|last=Viniker|first=Barry|date=2008-08-28|publisher="ESCToday"|accessdate=2008-08-28]

Contestants

NOTE: The totals in the above tables include only points awarded in Eurovision finals, and not the semi-finals since 2004.

References

External links

* [http://www.sophokhalvashi.net Site of Sopho Khalvashi]