What Is 2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Overview

The 2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was the 15th edition of the international music competition for artists aged 9 to 14. It took place on November 26, 2017, in Tbilisi, Georgia, following Georgia’s victory in the 2016 contest with Liza Papava’s performance of 'Mzeo.'

This marked the first time Georgia hosted the event, showcasing its growing role in European broadcasting. The contest was held at the Olympic Palace, a modern indoor arena with a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators.

• Host country: Georgia hosted for the first time after winning the 2016 contest with 154 points.
• Participation: A record 16 countries took part, surpassing the previous high of 15 in 2015 and 2016.
• Venue: The event was held at the Olympic Palace in Tbilisi, a multi-purpose arena built in 2015.
• Presenters: The show was hosted by Georgian TV personalities Helen Kalandadze and Lizi Japaridze, the latter a former Junior Eurovision contestant.
• Winner: Russia’s Polina Bogusevich won with 'Wings,' scoring 188 points, including 12 points from six countries.

How It Works

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest follows a format similar to the main Eurovision event but is tailored for younger performers and simpler production. Each country submits an original song performed live, with voting combining jury and online public components.

• Eligibility: Artists must be between 9 and 14 years old on the day of the contest, ensuring age-appropriate participation.
• Song length: Entries must be no longer than three minutes, adhering to standard broadcast timing rules.
• Voting system: Each country awards two sets of points: 1–8, 10, and 12 from national juries and online voting.
• Language rules: Songs can be performed in any language, though most entries use national or English lyrics.
• Staging: Performances include choreography, costumes, and LED visuals, but budgets are smaller than in the adult contest.
• Broadcast: The event was televised in over 20 countries via EBU member networks and streamed online via the official Junior Eurovision website.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 contest to previous editions highlights trends in participation, hosting, and voting patterns.

The 2017 edition saw a slight dip in participation compared to 2016 but remained one of the most-watched in the contest’s history. Russia’s victory marked its second win, following 2006, and sparked renewed interest in Eastern European dominance in the competition.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was a milestone event that highlighted youth talent and international cultural exchange. It also demonstrated Georgia’s capability to host major European broadcasts, boosting national pride and tourism.

• Platform for youth: The contest gives young performers a chance to gain international exposure before transitioning to adult music careers.
• Cultural diplomacy: Countries use music to promote national identity, with costumes and lyrics reflecting local traditions.
• Viewership growth: The 2017 broadcast reached over 15 million viewers across EBU networks, a significant increase from prior years.
• Political neutrality: Despite tensions among some participating nations, the contest maintains a non-political stance focused on music and unity.
• Music industry pipeline: Past participants like Netta (Israel) and Destiny (Malta) later competed in the main Eurovision, showing career potential.
• Public engagement: Online voting allowed global fans to participate, increasing interactivity and social media buzz.

The success of the 2017 event laid the foundation for future expansions, including broader online access and higher production values in subsequent years.