Georgia to host 2017 Junior Eurovision contest

Following a string of successes by Georgian performers at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the country will now host its first-ever competition later this year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed today.

The decision was announced by the European public broadcasters’ body and will see the 15th edition of the contest held in Georgia in November.

Georgia will also be represented by a performer at the contest for the 11th year and will look to advance its record of three wins at the show that launched in 2003.

In the announcement, organisers of the contest noted Georgia’s success at the Junior Eurovision over the last decade.

The EBU are delighted to announce that GPB will be the host broadcaster of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2017.

As Georgia has won the JESC the most times, we are pleased that we can finally bring Europe’s favourite youth show to a new country that has shown such dedication to the Contest”, EBU Head of Live Events Ola Sand said.

Regarded as a major competition of young performers and bands, Junior Eurovision is followed by millions of public broadcaster viewers across European countries.

In addition, performances within the contest are attended by a live audience of supporters from participating countries, making the show a celebration of young stage talent. A large media presence from European agencies is also expected in Georgia for the occasion.

The Junior Eurovision contest was launched in 2003 and features young performers from across Europe. Photo: Andres Putting/EBU.

Singers and bands have represented Georgia at the Junior Eurovision since 2007, when Mariam Romelashvili took to the stage in Rotterdam and finished fourth.

The first win for Georgia came in 2008 when the band Bzikebi triumphed in the competition. Another band from the country, Candy, took the first place in the 2011 edition of the Europe-wide event.

The record third win for a Georgian contestant came in November 2016. Mariam Mamadashvili, 10, was singled out from performers from 17 countries in Malta's capital Valletta.

The dates, venues and other details of the 2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest are expected to be agreed upon during a visit of an EBU delegation to Georgia later next month.