Controversy and Culture: Eurovision 2025
| Title | Controversy and Culture: Eurovision 2025 |
|---|---|
| Author | Anna Lia Olivo |
| Date | 2025-04-08 |
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is shaping up to be a controversial and highly debated edition, with an unusually high number of songs in Italian (two in Italian and one in a stereotypical version of the language). Among the most discussed topics are the musical choices of certain participating countries. In particular, the song "Espresso Macchiato" by Tommy Cash, chosen to represent Estonia, has sparked strong reactions. The Codacons (the Italian consumer protection association) accused the song of perpetuating stereotypes about Italians, linking them to clichés like the mafia and the ostentation of luxury. However, many fans supported the song, interpreting it as a satire rather than an offensive provocation.
Similarly, San Marino’s entry, "Tutta l'Italia" by Gabry Ponte, has elicited ironic responses, as San Marino is not politically part of Italy. Despite this, many Italians enjoyed the choice, seeing it as another fun provocation.
But the controversy that has generated the most media attention revolves around Malta’s song, "Serving" by Miriana Conte. The original title, "Serving Kant" was changed to "Serving"; following a veto from the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) due to the word "kant" in Maltese, which means "song" but also has a slang connotation in English related to female genitalia. The replacement with an onomatopoeic sound, akin to a moan, allowed the original meaning to be preserved, but the change still provoked numerous discussions.
Amid these controversies, a recent update is the choice of the singer who will representGeorgia: Mariam Shangelia with the song "Freedom".
Mariam, who began her musical career at a young age, is a versatile and talented artist. As a teenager, she competed in talent shows like X-Factor Georgia, Georgian Idol, and The Voice of Georgia, building a solid career in the Georgian music scene. In 2024, she also participated in Dancing with the Stars Georgia, showcasing her dancing abilities. Mariam is already a familiar face at Eurovision, having provided backing vocals for Tornike Kipiani in 2020 when his song "Take Me as I am" was set to represent Georgia, only for the event to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With "Freedom", Mariam enters the competition with an evocative ballad that blends tradition, deeply connected to Georgian culture, and modernity. The song, almost entirely in Georgian, reflects a growing trend in Eurovision: the use of local languages to present a more authentic and personal vision. The Georgian language, rich in history, gives the track a unique and captivating energy.
The lyrics of "Freedom" serve as a powerful exploration of personal empowerment, identity, and the desire for self-determination. The song’s words reflect a deep connection to Georgia’s history, traditions, and struggles for independence, while also resonating with universal themes of liberation. Through poetic and evocative lines, Mariam paints a vivid picture of both internal and external struggles, portraying a journey toward self-discovery and strength.
The lyrics convey a message that freedom is not just a right, but a fundamental part of one’s essence. The song speaks to the courage it takes to defy expectations, overcome obstacles, and remain true to oneself in the face of societal pressures. It’s not just about political freedom, but a deeper, more personal form of liberation—freedom to be unapologetically yourself.
Unfortunately, Mariam has not been spared controversy either; she has faced accusations on social media of being omophobic and pro-Russian, claims she strongly denies. In a recent interview for wiwibloggs, she spoke out against the spread of misinformation, emphasizing the power of disinformation in today’s world. For Mariam, "Freedom" is a celebration of liberty and individuality. "Freedom is everything—it’s the air I breathe" she explained, emphasizing that true freedom means embracing yourself, your culture, and yourpath.
As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 begins, all eyes are on Georgia’s entry, will Mariam Shangelia secure a spot in the top 10? The anticipation is building - it's going to be an exciting journey to see how she performs on the grand stage!
B. Dammacco, "Eurovision 2025: è “Serving” il titolo di Miriana Conte. Le modifiche dopo il no dell’EBU", in Eurofestival News, March 2025, https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2025/03/14/eurovision-2025-e-serving-il-titolo-di-miriana-conte-le-modifiche-dopo-il-no-dellebu/.
R. Mamsikashvili, "“That’s not me” — Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia denies “absurd accusations” circulating on social media" in wiwibloggs, March 2025, https://wiwibloggs.com/2025/03/23/georgia-mariam-shengelia-denies-accusations-social-media/284114/.
Redazione Elle Italia, "Il Codacons contro Tommy Cash e il suo Espresso Macchiato", in Elle Italia, February 2025, https://www.elle.com/it/showbiz/musica/a63853775/il-codacons-contro-tommy-cash-e-il-suo-espresso-macchiato/.
G. Saracino, "Eurovision 2025, la Georgia sceglie Mariam Shangelia come rappresentante", in Recensiamo Musica, March 2025, https://recensiamomusica.com/eurovision-2025-la-georgia-sceglie-mariam-shangelia-come-rappresentante/.