Russia relaunches Intervision contest in response to Eurovision and promotion of "traditional values"

Russia brought together artists from about twenty countries at the end of last week to relaunch the Intervision music contest, presented as an alternative to Eurovision. The event promoted both "traditional values” and the use of ultramodern technologies, marking a cultural and political premiere in the context of tensions between Moscow and the West.

• Vietnam's victory and the emotions of the winner

According to AFP, the Intervision 2025 trophy was won by Vietnam, through the interpretation of singer Duc Phuc, who presented a song inspired by a poem about Vietnamese bamboo. The artist, already known after his victory in the "The Voice” competition in Vietnam, confessed that the emotions were overwhelming and thanked the viewers "for every dedicated second”.

• A contest with patriotic symbols

Among the key moments was the performance of the Russian Shaman, a central figure of patriotic concerts. However, the artist asked the jury not to include him in the competition, invoking the "law of hospitality”. Most of the participants took to the stage in traditional costumes and sang in their native languages, in a performance that emphasized cultural identity.

• Putin: "Respect for traditional values”

President Vladimir Putin welcomed the relaunch of the contest, emphasizing that it aims to promote traditional values and cultural diversity. The organizers used augmented reality technologies, with each country being presented through dancing figures in national costumes.

• Absence of the European Union and accusations of political pressure

Although 23 countries were expected, Australian singer Vassy, who was supposed to represent the United States, withdrew at the last minute, with the organizers citing "unprecedented political pressure”. No European Union country participated, amid sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

• An estimated audience of one billion viewers

Intervision was broadcast live and recorded in each participating country, and organizers estimate that the show could reach one billion views, given that the countries involved - mostly members of the BRICS - total more than 4 billion inhabitants. In comparison, the last edition of Eurovision recorded 166 million viewers.

• A competition with a Soviet tradition

The Intervision contest has deep roots: the first edition took place in 1965, in Czechoslovakia. Resumed in 1977 in Poland, the festival disappeared after the collapse of the U.S.S.R. The relaunch in 2025 marks a strategic comeback, intended to offer Russia an alternative cultural instrument to Eurovision.

• Saudi Arabia to host next edition

Organizers have announced that the next edition of Intervision will take place in 2026, in Saudi Arabia, confirming the global dimension that Moscow wants to give to this festival.