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Tornike KipianiGeorgian singer
Date of Birth: 11.12.1987
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Childhood and Early Life
- Family Background
- Musical Journey
- Personal Life
- Controversy and Return to Eurovision
- Discography
Childhood and Early Life
Torné Kipiani was born on December 11, 1987, in Tbilisi, Georgia. From a young age, his parents nurtured his love for music and enrolled him in violin lessons. However, those classes were short-lived as the young boy gravitated more towards the guitar. At 19, Kipiani formed his own band and fortuitously became its vocalist, filling a vacant spot that had long remained open.
Family Background
While Kipiani maintains a private personal life, he has shared limited information on his family on his Facebook page. His extended family, including his parents Nukri Kipiani and Guliko Garsevanishvili and his siblings Tekla, Mariam, and Elene, have been a source of support and pride for the singer.
Musical Journey
Kipiani rose to prominence in 2014 after emerging victorious in the inaugural season of the Georgian version of the popular British talent show X-Factor, which aired on Rustavi 2. Mentored by fellow Georgian singer Tamta, he outperformed Sofia Saakashvili, Misho Eliava, and the girl group Sparkle in the finale, securing 67% of the telephone votes. Among the substantial prizes he received were an apartment in the Gudauri ski resort, a Hyundai car, a trip to Paris, a ticket to Rock Insane, 30,000 lari, an electric guitar, the opportunity to hold monthly concerts at the Magti Club, and the honor of performing at the opening of the European Youth Olympic Festival.
In 2016, Kipiani released his debut EP titled "Luck," featuring four tracks: "Luck," "Beginning," "Decorate," and "N (Quantity)." The following year, he attempted to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the single "You Are My Sunshine" but was unsuccessful.
Kipiani became the "Star of Georgia" in 2019, impressing viewers with his cover of Alice in Chains' "Love, Hate, Love" in the final episode. This victory earned him the right to represent his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. However, the contest was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the 2020 contest, Kipiani prepared the song "Take Me As I Am," which blended elements of rock, electronic music, and dubstep. It explored themes of humanity and love among people. The singer was accompanied by backing vocalists Mariam Shengelia, Mariko Lezhava, and Aleko Berdzenishvili.
Personal Life
Kipiani keeps his personal life private. It is known that he is the father of three children, but their photos are absent from his Instagram account, which primarily features work-related content. In April 2020, the musician donated his 10,000 lari prize from the "Star of Georgia" project to the COVID-19 relief fund.
Controversy and Return to Eurovision
In March 2020, it was announced that Kipiani would represent Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. A new song, "You," was composed specifically for the occasion. The singer recorded the track at Bravo Records under the direction of Aleko Berdzenishvili, blending rock, pop-rock, and blues-rock influences.
As in the previous year, backing vocalists and the Gordi Women's Chamber Choir joined Kipiani on the track. Emilia Sandqvist choreographed the contest performance, while Temo Kvirkvelia directed the music video. However, the new song received mixed reactions from the public, prompting an outburst from Kipiani. The singer made derogatory remarks about the contest and threatened to rape the mothers of those who disliked the track.
Kipiani's incendiary Facebook post sparked a petition addressed to Georgian Public Broadcasting, demanding his disqualification. The resulting scandal attracted commentary from Russian entertainers. Producer Viktor Drobysh expressed shock and urged that such statements should be reviewed by psychiatric professionals. Singer-songwriter Yuri Loza condemned Kipiani's threats and advocated for measures to combat online abuse.
Discography
Album:2016: Luck
Singles:
2017: You Are My Sunshine
2020: Take Me as I Am
2021: You
