During the 53rd edition in 2003, “Fast Track” finalist mini competitions were first introduced. These fast tracks were a series of mini competitions that would secure a placement for the winner of said competition in the finals of the telecast. One of these fast tracks was the Talent Competition. 

A week before the telecast, 60 of the 106 contestants signed up to this optional fast track event, which were then refined to 21 that performed in front of four judges: Pop Idol director Kenny Warwick, Scottish composer / musical arranger Mike Dickson, Mister World 2003 Gustavo Gianetti, and Bruce Forsyth.

Irina Onashvili sang a beautiful song from her homeland called “Tbiliso” (or თბილისო if you look it up in her native Georgian language). At just 18 years old, her performance captivated the entire audience which included her fellow contestants, and won a finalist spot in the Top 20.