If you have been following Eurovision 2026, chances are you have already heard “On Replay,” the infectious entry from Georgia performed by the vocal trio Bzikebi. This song is catchy, energetic, and packed with vocal technique worth breaking down.
Whether you are a singer looking to sharpen your skills or simply a Eurovision fan curious about what makes this performance tick, there is so much to uncover in how Bzikebi approaches this track vocally. Let’s dive into what makes their singing stand out and what you can learn from it.
Who Are Bzikebi?
Bzikebi is a Georgian vocal trio made up of Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili, and Mariam Kikuashvili. The group first burst onto the scene when they won Junior Eurovision back in 2008 with their bee-themed hit “Bzz..”, performed entirely in a made-up language.
They were just 10 years old at the time. Fast forward to 2026, and “On Replay” marks their return to the Eurovision stage, this time competing in the adult contest in Vienna. The fact that they have been performing together since childhood means their vocal chemistry is deeply ingrained, and it absolutely shows.
Chest Voice and Thick Vocal Fold Production in “On Replay”
One of the most prominent features of “On Replay” is the heavy use of chest voice throughout. Bzikebi sing with a thick vocal fold quality, particularly in the lower and middle parts of their range. For the female voices in the group, some of the notes sit around middle C, which is relatively low within the female chest voice register. This means they need to maintain strong, thick vocal fold contact to project with volume and clarity.
When singing this low in the range, a more vertical larynx position becomes important. If a singer introduces too much thyroid tilt at this point, the vocal folds begin to thin out, which can reduce volume and projection. Bzikebi handle this well by keeping their sound grounded and full, prioritizing that penetrating strength in their tone rather than adding sweetness or lightness.
The Role of Straight Tone
A defining characteristic of the vocal delivery in “On Replay” is the use of straight tone. There is very little vibrato present, and the sound stays remarkably steady and direct. This is not accidental. Straight tone is extremely common among singers who work in close harmony, and here is why:
- Vibrato and other vocal effects draw attention to an individual voice, which is great for soloists but counterproductive when blending with others.
- Removing those stylistic elements allows voices to lock in together more seamlessly.
- Straight tone also supports the punchy, EDM-influenced energy that “On Replay” demands.
Think of it like the difference between speaking and singing. When you are working in this style, it helps to approach the notes almost as if you are speaking on pitch. That mindset is what keeps the delivery crisp, rhythmic, and powerful, especially in the lower range where Bzikebi need their sound to cut through.
Blending Three Voices as One
One of the most impressive aspects of Bzikebi’s performance of “On Replay” is the tightness of their vocal blend. Their pitching is spot on, and the three voices lock together with a precision that only comes from years of experience. Even in a live setting where conditions are far from perfect, their harmony remains cohesive.
Each member brings a distinct vocal color to the group:
- One voice carries a darker timbre, likely handling the lower harmony.
- Another has a brighter quality, suited to the higher harmony.
- The male voice, which naturally sits an octave below when singing the same pitch as the female voices, likely takes the middle harmony to create a balanced blend.
This distribution is a classic approach to trio arranging, and Bzikebi execute it with the kind of ease that reflects their long history of singing together.
Singing Live vs. Studio Recordings
One thing that stands out when watching Bzikebi perform “On Replay” live is the natural variation in their voices compared to studio recordings. In the studio, vocals are polished, effects are layered in, and every note can be fine-tuned. Live performance is a completely different game.
In a live setting, you hear the natural voice at work. There may be slight wobbles or moments of instability, and that is perfectly normal, even for seasoned professionals like Bzikebi. Several factors contribute to this:
- Choreography and movement affect breath control; the body is working harder, and breathing becomes faster.
- Subglottic pressure (the air pressure below the vocal folds) fluctuates more during and after physical movement.
- Interestingly, movement can actually help maintain vocal fold closure. Sometimes it is harder to stabilize the voice when you suddenly stop moving, because the momentum that was supporting your breath pressure disappears.
None of this reflects poorly on a singer’s ability. It is simply the reality of live performance, and understanding this is important for any aspiring vocalist.
What You Can Learn from Bzikebi’s Vocal Technique
Whether or not you plan to sing “On Replay” yourself, there are several valuable takeaways from studying how Bzikebi approach this song:
- Practice maintaining thick vocal fold contact in your lower and middle range to build chest voice strength.
- Experiment with straight tone to develop pitch accuracy and control.
- If you sing in a group, learn to pull back on personal stylistic choices like vibrato to improve your blend.
- Work on breath management, especially during movement, to build stamina for live performance.
- Understand that a vertical larynx position can support volume and projection in the lower register.
“On Replay” is a fantastic example of what happens when strong vocal fundamentals meet years of experience. Bzikebi bring a level of precision and cohesion that is rare, and it all comes down to technique, training, and time spent singing together.
If you want to learn more about how you can learn to implement these singing techniques into your own voice, let’s sit down for a chat and discuss if the vocal academy is the right fit for you. You can join us here.