With less than two weeks to go before their first rehearsal in stage in Malmö Arena, Georgian representatives Sophie and Nodi took the time to talk to escNorge.

Wiv; Sophie Gelovani and Nodi Tatishvili are brand new names to most Norwegians. Could you introduce yourselves and tell us a little about your musical backgrounds and your careers?

Nodi; My musical career started in the age of 5 when I first appeared on the stage of Tbilisi big concert hall. I can say that after this date I’m singer and I’m sure I’ll never stop.
Sophie; My career started at the age of 3, when my mother guessed that I had talent to become a real singer. I have a big experience of musical competitions. I was the winner of the TV musical project «Morning Star» in 1999. I gained the first place at the international musical contest «Do-Re-Mi» in Yerevan, Armenia in 2000 and I have participated in many other competitions and I have won most of them.

Wiv; You were selected internally by GPB to represent your country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Have you previously participated in the national selections?

Nodi; I participated in the national selection of Georgia in 2009 (with the song «No Sun When You Are Near», journ.), but I did not win. This year GPB was real Santa Claus for us. They announced their choice on 31th of December. It was an absolute surprise to us.
Sophie; I have never participated in the national selection for the ESC, but I always had desire to take part in it.There was no national selection this year. A GPB representative called me on New Year’s Eve and told me that Nodi and I had been chosen to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

Wiv; Have you worked with any of the songwriters before?

Nodi; We have not worked with them before and it was totally pleasant. We have worked with Mr. Thomas for one month and the results that’s we finally got was absolutely same as we though our entry would be. So thanks to Thomas for his great job.
Sophie; It’s absolutely the debut for me. We have never been get in touch any of them before.

Wiv; Have the two of you worked together before?
Nodi; Yes we have experience of working together before.
Sophie; We performed together at the Georgian Idol when I was a finalist and Nodi the winner of the previous season.

Wiv; How will you describe «Waterfall»?
Nodi; First of all I have to say that I love this song. It’s academic pop, the kind of music which is really my style to perform. I feel very comfortable when I sing it.
Sophie; «Waterfall» has a very strong chorus and emotional phrases.

Wiv; What kind of people do you think your song will appeal to?
Nodi; I think our song will appeale to everyone. The song is nice about strong feelings and emotions so I think it has very positive messages.
Sophie; I think our song will appeal to all kind of people; it’s very positive and catchy.

Wiv; In Eurovision Song Contest many countries sing in English instead of in their national language. Do you prefer singing in Georgian or English, and how do you feel about the language question in Eurovision Song Contest?

Nodi; Both of languages are comfortable for me. I think the inspiration of a song is in both the melody and lyrics, and I think language of lyrics is very unimportant in this case.
Sophie; In my opinion it depends on song. The song dictates itself what kind of language it should be sung.

Wiv; In Malmö you will perform your entry in the second semifinal. Have you listened to any of the other songs from your semi, and if so; are there any you think stand out?

Nodi; I have listened only some of them and I think they all have something specific and positive about them.
Sophie; Unfortunately I haven’t listened to all of them, but the ones I have listened to are positive and have something unique.

Wiv; And most importantly (to us); What do you think of the Norwegian entry, «I Feed You My Love» performed by Margaret Berger?

Nodi; I like it so much. The song is very driving and emotional. Norway will be in top 5 I think.
Sophie; I like the Norwegian entry so much, it’s very energetic and original. I think it will be one of the favorite of this year’s contest.

Wiv; Is Eurovision Song Contest popular and respected by artists and the public in Georgia?

Nodi; Definitely yes! All artists are trying to represent Georgia at this contest. As for contest’s popularity in public I can say that Eurovision has the most viewers every year. Some people don’t like it and they are talking negatively about it, but finally everybody watch it!
Sophie; Eurovision is one of the most watched TV shows in Georgia. As for artist I think every singer has a dream of representing Georgia one day at this contest.

Wiv; How do you feel about your participation now?

Nodi; I feel huge responsibility and excitement. This is the biggest contest I have ever participated in. So I think it’ll determine my future anyway.
Sophie; For sure I’m excited and looking forward to new adventures from Eurovision.

Wiv; Our readers like hearing about artists’ Eurovision-favorites; What is your favorite ESC-entry? And your favorite Georgian entry? And since we’re a Norwegian site; do you have a favorite Norwegian entry as well?

Nodi; My favorite Eurovision songs are «Euphoria» and «In a Moment Like This» and more. As for Georgian entry I think all the songs from Georgia were wonderful and descent.
Sophie; I love «Euphoria» and «Waterloo»! As for Georgia I think every entry we have sent were worthy representatives. As for Norway, as I already said I like this year’s entry, and also the winner of the 2009 contest, Alexander Rybak.

Wiv; In addition to participating in Eurovision Song Contest, what are your plans for the near future?

Nodi; I was going to visit USA in April but Eurovision has completely changed my plans. I’m working on new tracks that’s will be released probably after Eurovision.

Wiv; What music do you usually listen to?
Nodi; I listen to pop, jazz, soul and so on. As for artists, Luther Vandross is my all time favorite singer.
Sophie; I listen to all kind of music.

Wiv; Apart from singing; what does your life look like; work, hobbies, family…?

Nodi; I have hobbies like for instance bowling. My friends and family are the most important part of my life so I love when I’m with them. It doesn’t matter whatever we do.
Sophie; I have lots of hobbies. I love riding horses, swimming, listening to music, etc.

Wiv; Since Georgia and Norway are competing in the same semi, and therefore may vote for each other; do you have a final greeting to the Norwegian people?

Nodi; I want to ask Norwegian people; if you admire our music please vote for us.
Sophie; Norwegian people; vote for the entry you think is the best.

Wiv; Thanks a lot for taking the time to talk to us; we really appreciate it. I’m looking forward to seeing you both in Malmö!
Nodi; Thank you so much for your interest too. See you in Sweden
Sophie; Thank you.