Previously we took a look on JESC 2015 winner Destiny. Now let’s continue the countdown and check on Mariam Mamadashvili who won the contest in 2016!
Valletta 2016: throwback
17 countries participated in the 2016 contest which had the slogan Embrace. Poli Genova performed during the show, as did Jedward from Ireland.
The contest rules got some amendments. The age range of participants was changed: now it was from 9 to 14 years old. Moreover, the show was broadcasted in the afternoon to reach more of the target audience. The winner was decided by a combination of jury and votes from a professional panel.
Mariam Mamadashvili brought Georgia the third JESC trophy that year with her song “Mzeo” (The Sun)! Also Armenia came second, while Italy finished third.
Mariam spent her early years in Tbilisi, her hometown. She was known as the “Bzikebi Studio” student. Moreover, she got the Princess role in the play “Anna and I” in 2014. Over the years she has also appeared on television and given numerous public performances.
Life after the Junior Eurovision
However, Mariam’s family moved to the USA in 2015, so after her victorious performance at the JESC 2016, the girl came back to her new home to continue her studies. The young star is one of Broadway Method Academy students, where she is mastering her vocal and acting skills.
In 2017 Mariam was invited as a guest star to the Eurovision 2017. Later she appeared at the Junior Eurovision 2017, which took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. Mariam did a great job hosting the red carpet event and also delivering a powerful performance as the interval act.
2017 also became the year of her new music release “Circles”.
In 2018 Mariam participated in the “Knicks Talent Search” show and won it! The event took place at the Madison Square Garden in New York, the USA. Mariam chose to sing “New York State of Mind” and struck everyone with her performance.
What is Mariam up to now?
Mariam just turned 15 a couple of days ago. She continues her studies and keeps growing as a talented artist.
In 2019 she successfully auditioned for 2 musicals: “Annie” (as Daffy) and “Xanadu” (as Kira).
In February 2020 it was revealed that Mariam Mamadashvili joined the cast of “The Plot Against America” series produced by HBO. The release date was on March 16, 2020.
Mariam is not so active social media user but she appears in some videos and projects such as musicals time to time.
Have you watched Mariam’s performance in 2016? Comment below or share your opinion with @escxtra on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
