Sofia Nizharadze facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sofia Nizharadze
სოფო ნიჟარაძე |
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Sopho Nizharadze in Oslo (2010)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Sopho Nizharadze |
| Also known as | Sofia |
| Born | 6 February 1985 Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Origin | Georgian |
| Genres | Pop, soul, musical, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Bravo Records |
Sopho "Sofia" Nizharadze is a talented singer, actress, and songwriter from Georgia. She is well-known for representing Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with her song "Shine". Sofia has also been a judge on popular TV shows like Georgia's Got Talent, Only Georgian, and The X Factor Georgia.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sofia Nizharadze was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1985. She started singing when she was very young. Sofia studied piano and vocals at the Musical Academy in Tbilisi, graduating with top honors. She continued her studies in Russia, also graduating with honors from the Gnessin State Musical College.
Her amazing singing skills have helped bring international attention to her home country, Georgia. Sofia's great-grandmother had Turkish roots and moved to Georgia a long time ago. In 2010, Sofia even met some of her Turkish relatives during a TV show while on her Eurovision tour.
Sofia's Music Career
Sofia Nizharadze has a beautiful singing voice, known as a light lyric soprano. She began performing professionally at just three years old! When she was seven, a famous Georgian conductor named Jansug Kakhidze invited her to join a children's music studio. There, Sofia became the main singer for many shows and TV projects.
At age 11, she sang "Sous le ciel de Paris" at the French Embassy. A journalist named Bernard Pivot heard her and invited her to be on his TV show. By the time she was 17, Sofia had won several international singing contests. These included "Bravo, Bravissimo!" in Italy and "Crystal Note" in Russia. She also took part in many music festivals in different countries.
Later, Sofia played leading roles in musicals like The Wedding of the Jays and Roméo et Juliette, de la Haine à l'Amour. While living in Moscow, she became more famous as a singer around the world. In 2004, she got a main part in a musical by Gerard Presgurvic. The next year, she made it to the final of the New Wave Festival in Latvia.
In 2008, Sofia returned to Georgia from Russia because of a conflict between the two countries. She even sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" when Vice President Joe Biden visited Georgia.
Eurovision Song Contest 2010
The GPB chose Sofia to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. They asked for songs, and over 100 were sent in. The broadcasters picked six songs, and Sofia performed all of them in a special show on February 27. The song "Shine" was chosen as the winner.
After Eurovision
After her great performance at Eurovision, the President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, even suggested Sofia might become the country's Minister of Culture!
Sofia continues to perform at events across Europe and Asia. She has sung amazing duets with famous singers like José Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Chris de Burgh, and Julio Iglesias. In 2013, she released a song called "When We Danced." She then released a new album in March 2014, which included "When We Danced" and her Eurovision hit, "Shine."
In 2016, she was a judge on the Georgian version of X Factor.
Awards and Achievements
Sofia Nizharadze has received many awards and achieved a lot in her career:
- 1995: Won "Crystal fir tree" for "Best Vocal."
- 1996: Received a special award at "The League" festival and an award at Mini La Scala.
- 1997: Participated in the "Crystal note" International Festival in Moscow.
- 1999: Earned a top diploma for best vocal during "Pushkin weeks."
- 1998–2001: Received a scholarship from President Eduard Shevardnadze.
- 2000: Awarded "Golden Star" for best vocal.
- 2003–2004: Played the main role in the musical The Wedding of the Jays.
- 2004–2006: Played Juliet in Roméo et Juliette, de la Haine à l'Amour The Musical.
- 2005: Was a finalist in the New Wave Festival for young pop stars.
- 2005–2007: Played leading roles in various shows and productions.
- 2010: Performed a duet with José Carreras from West Side Story.
- 2010: Performed with Chris De Burgh.
- 2011: Performed with Andrea Bocelli.
- 2012: Performed a duet with Julio Iglesias.
- 2012–2013: Played a leading role in the musical Melodies of Vera District.
- 2013: Recorded the song "When We Danced" and a music video with Joaquin Cortes.
- Unknown date: Played the main role in the first Georgian musical Keto and Kote.
Stage Roles
Sofia has played many important roles in musicals:
- Svadba Soek (The Wedding of the Jays) – Ketevan (main role)
- Romeo & Juliette – Juliet (Original Russian Main Cast)
- Hello, Dolly (RATI)
- Keto and Kote The Musical – Keto (leading role)
- Melodies of Vera District The Musical – Vardo (leading role)
Albums
Sofia Nizharadze has released several albums:
- The Wedding of the Jays Original Cast Recording (2003)
- Musical Romeo & Juliette "Ot Nenavisti Do Lubvi" Original Cast Recording (2005)
- Where are you... (2008)
- We Are All (2014)
See also
In Spanish: Sopho Nizharadze para niños
