We had the honour to speak with the Georgian representative at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Sofia Nizharadze.

After having a role in a professional play at the age of 5, Sofia began to work with Jansugh Kakhidze, a leading music composer of Georgian cinema industry. Later, Sofia played the lead roal in a few musicals, such as “The wedding of the jays” and “Romeo and Juliette”, and she later made a duet with Jose Careras for a music play “West Side Story”. Now, she is going to represent Georgia in this year’s song contest with the song “Shine”.

1. Hello Sofia, thank you for taking your time to do this interview with us. How are you  feeling these days?

I really appreciate being with you and your readers. I’m getting excited as the time gets closer but it’s a good feeling, like waiting for a baby, your life will totally change after that experinceJ

2. How are the preparations for Eurovision going?

Very enjoyable and also very busy. Nowadays we focused on the choreography. On the other hand our promotion activities accelerated.

3. You already took part in various international festivals, took part  in some musicals and won many awards. What does participating in this year’s Eurovision mean to you?

Representing your own country at the international arena is something different than being on stage for a concert. You feel the expectations of the whole country standing on your shoulders. I’m honoured and glad to be given such a mission.

4. You were chosen internally by GPB. How did you feel? Were you  expecting this?

Actually I was not expecting it. At New Year’s Eve in Batumi we had a big classic concert. I performed a song from the “West Side Story” musical with Jose Carreras. After the concert there was a party and an executive from the public broadcaster came to me and said ‘You must represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest’. First I thought that it was a joke (as we were at a party). I said ‘Of course’. But actually he was not kidding, I realized that when I got the official phone call from them.

5. The national final was full of many noteable and sucessful  Eurovision composers. Did you feel pressure to perform or comfortable  that the entries were in good and experienced hands?

I felt very comfortable performing all songs as they were all crafted so well. At the end “SHINE”, a song written and composed by very well known names in the music industry was chosen. Grammy prize winning composer Christian Leuzzi who previously worked with Celine Dion, an accomplished artist with a strong impact on Eurovision history, is one of the writers/composers. The other co-writers/composers are Harry Sommerdahl whose references include the Scorpions, Meatloaf, Paul Stanley, Lindsay Lohan along with many other names and Norway’s very own Hanne Sorvaag who has already contributed quite a few songs to the contest.

6. What do you think about the new voting system in the semi final - 50% jury voting and 50% public televoting?

I like this voting system because all of the delegations select their juries from leading artists and they only evaluate the quality of the songs.

7. You sang a duet with Jose Careras. How was this experience?

The event was 2010 New Year’s Eve in Batumi. We performed “Tonight” from the musical “West Side Story”. It was gorgeous. It’s really hard to express the feeling, sharing the same stage with such a great maestro. I feel very honoured.

8. Are you a Eurovision fan? Have you heard the other competing songs this year, and what is your opinion on them?

Yes I listened to all the songs, there are lots of beautiful songs and great performers. I really like them. But I don’t want to pronounce a name because they are all my friendsJ

9. What are your future plans after the contest?

I’m planning to release my second studio album.

10. For the end of the interview, do you have a message for our readers?

First of all I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to keep in touch with your readers. I hope they like my song and support me and Georgia.