Mother Knows Best: Georgia Claims Fourth Junior Eurovision Victory in Madrid
In a dazzling night of music and emotion, Georgia has clinched its fourth Junior Eurovision title with «To My Mom«, an emotional ballad delivered by the talented Andria Putkaradze. Hosted for the first time in Spain, the 22nd edition of the contest transformed Madrid’s Caja Mágica into a celebration of young talent, with 17 countries competing for the coveted trophy.
The evening began with a spectacular opening, featuring Sandra Valero, last year’s runner-up, Zoe Clauzure, the 2023 champion, and Maria Isabel, who won the contest in 2004. Together, they performed this year’s anthem “Let’s Bloom”, setting the tone for a show full of heart and spectacle. Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Clotet, and Melanie García then took the reins as presenters, weaving together moments of celebration and remembrance, including a tribute to the victims of the recent DANA in Valencia.
From Pyjamas to Hope: A Night of Diverse Performances
The show opened with a grand flag parade led by Sandra Valero, Spain’s runner-up last year, alongside 2022 winner Zoé Clauzure and Maria Isabel, the unforgettable champion of 2004. Together, they performed the anthem of this year’s edition, “Let’s Bloom”, setting a celebratory and nostalgic tone.
The competition featured a dazzling array of performances. Italy kicked things off with Simone’s fun and quirky “Pigiama Party”, while Estonia followed with Annabelle’s drum-and-bass-inspired “Tänavad”. Albania’s Nikol brought a floral-themed stage and an enchanting blend of pop and blues with “Vallëzoj”.
Armenia’s Leo delivered a whimsical performance with “Cosmic Friend”, featuring an alien-themed stage, while Cyprus made a triumphant return after a decade with Maria Pissarides’ energetic “Crystal Water”. France’s Titouan touched hearts with the poignant ballad “Comme ci, Comme ça”, and Macedonia’s Ana & Aleksey brought a duet full of youthful charm with “Marathon”.
Poland’s Dominik Arim, dressed like a modern-day Little Prince, mesmerised the crowd with the heartfelt “All Together”. Georgia’s Andria dedicated a moving ballad, “To My Mom”, to mothers everywhere. Spain’s Chloe DelaRosa took the stage with “Como la Lola”, paying tribute to flamenco legend Lola Flores while blending contemporary pop with Spanish tradition. Germany’s Bjarne sang “Save the Best for Us” in a maritime setting, while the Netherlands’ Stay Tuned delivered an upbeat anthem, “Music”.
San Marino returned after eight years with the girl group Idols SM, who performed the vibrant “Come Noi”. Ukraine’s Artem gave a touching performance with “Hear Me Now”, reflecting his nation’s struggles. Portugal’s Victoria Nicole presented “Esperança”, a bilingual piano ballad that captured the audience’s hearts. Ireland’s Enya Cox Dempsey brought a fun, danceable vibe with “Le chéile”, while Malta’s Ramires Sciberras closed the night with the emotional “Stilla ċkejkna”, a song inspired by his personal adoption story.
The Votes: Drama and Surprises
As always, the voting segment brought nail-biting tension. The jury votes painted a clear picture, with Georgia sweeping an impressive 180 points, earning 12s from nearly every country. Portugal, however, stole the show during the televote, amassing 117 points to push them to a close second place.
The final standings were as follows:
- Georgia: 239 points
- Portugal: 213 points
- Ukraine: 203 points
- France: 177 points
- Malta: 153 points
Spain’s Chloe DelaRosa, a fan favourite in the arena, ended in sixth place with 144 points. Her electrifying performance earned her 64 televote points, ensuring she left a lasting impression.
Georgia’s Junior Eurovision Legacy
With this victory, Georgia solidifies its reputation as a Junior Eurovision powerhouse. This marks their fourth win, following previous successes in 2008, 2011, and 2016. Andria Putkaradze’s heartfelt performance was not just a tribute to his mother but a testament to Georgia’s commitment to storytelling through music.
As the curtain closes on a vibrant night in Madrid, fans are already speculating about what the 2025 contest in Georgia will bring. One thing is certain: the bar has been set exceptionally high.
