Russia Launches Rival “Intervision” Song Contest Following Eurovision Ban

BBC

Woman standing besides the Intervision globe in Moscow.

Banished from the Eurovision Song Contest, Russia will hold the finale of its own international music competition, Intervision, on Saturday, following orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The contest, reviving a Soviet-era name, aims to promote what organisers describe as “traditional family values.”

The inaugural Intervision will feature performers from 23 countries, representing more than half the world’s population, including China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Venezuela, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Madagascar. Participants will compete for a cash prize of 30 million roubles ($360,000).

This unconventional lineup contrasts sharply with Eurovision and presents an opportunity for the Kremlin to showcase Russia’s global alliances despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States will also participate, represented by Australian-born singer Vassy, reflecting a perceived thaw in US-Russian relations under President Donald Trump.

Russia was excluded from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, President Putin announced the rival competition, with a senior Kremlin aide appointed to chair the supervisory board. Kyiv has condemned the event as “an instrument of hostile propaganda.”

The show will be broadcast live on Russian television and is expected to be available online or via television in other countries with a combined population exceeding four billion, although organisers have not confirmed the foreign broadcasters involved.

Songs may be performed in any language, with winners determined by a professional jury representing each participating country rather than by public vote. Serbia is the only nation participating in both Eurovision and Intervision.

In contrast to Eurovision’s flamboyant style, Intervision’s organisers emphasise “traditional, universal and family values.” 

Moscow will be represented by Yaroslav Dronov, known by his stage name Shaman, performing the Russian-language song Straight to the Heart. Dronov, who previously staged a performance simulating a nuclear detonation, has gained popularity on Russian state television with patriotic songs, including I Am Russian.

Sources: Reuters, BBC



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