For years, Russia has sought to rally global allies, aiming to counterbalance Western influence in both politics and culture. Their newest strategy? Music.
This Saturday, Russia is set to host the Intervision Song Contest, a resurrected musical extravaganza from the Cold War era. Nations like China, Cuba, and India are sending their top performers.
Intriguingly, the United States will also participate, represented by Vassy, a Greek-Australian dance artist who recently acquired American citizenship. Her selection process remains a mystery.
First launched in the 1960s and 70s, Intervision has frequently been dubbed a counterpart to Europe’s popular Eurovision Song Contest. The Kremlin is banking on this revived event to capture a massive global audience, much like its long-standing Western rival.
Despite a robust promotional push across social media and throughout Moscow, Intervision has yet to generate significant buzz, either domestically or abroad. As of Friday, tickets for the event at the Live Arena in the Russian capital were still readily available.
Let’s delve into what this event is all about and why its resurgence holds importance.
What Exactly is Intervision?
The inaugural Intervision Song Contest premiered in Prague in 1965, during Czechoslovakia’s communist era. The legendary Czech crooner, Karel Gott, affectionately known as the ‘Sinatra of the East,’ clinched the top prize.
Interestingly, the event was orchestrated by Czechoslovak television, with no direct involvement from Soviet authorities.
According to Dean Vuletic, an author who has extensively researched both Eurovision and Intervision, a common misconception exists: that Intervision was solely designed as a ‘communist challenger’ to Eurovision. In truth, its creators envisioned it as a cultural bridge connecting East and West, and a platform to introduce their pop artists to a wider international audience.
Vuletic also notes that some Intervision editions were even broadcast in Western Europe. Its organizers extended invitations to prominent Western artists, including Gloria Gaynor and reggae-disco sensations Boney M, to perform as special guests.
A total of eight Intervision contests were held, alternating between Czechoslovakia and Poland.
Why the Revival? Russia’s Motivation
Following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent exclusion from many international cultural and sporting arenas, Moscow began establishing its own array of competitions, awards, and festivals.
Intervision stands as the most recent endeavor to cultivate Moscow’s image as a leader of the Global South and a steadfast defender of ‘traditional values.’
Before its 2022 ban from Eurovision, Russia treated the flamboyant singing contest with considerable seriousness. State television annually broadcast the event with great enthusiasm, and the selection of its contestants was a national affair. In 2008, pop star Dima Bilan even secured a Eurovision victory for Russia with his song ‘Believe.’
However, as Russian lawmakers increasingly enacted restrictions on LGBTQ+ culture in recent years, they simultaneously began criticizing Eurovision — known for often showcasing gay artists — as a threat to Russian traditional values. Conchita Wurst’s victory in 2014, an Austrian bearded drag queen, became a notable flashpoint.
Just this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that Intervision would serve as a platform for Russia to ‘cultivate the natural, God-given human capacity for goodwill.’
Russian officials have asserted that the event will be devoid of ‘perversions and mockery of human nature.’
Is Anyone Watching? Public Interest in Russia
Despite an aggressive governmental promotional campaign, backed by over $7 million in funding, Intervision has sparked minimal public excitement in Russia. As of Friday, the 5,000-seat arena hosting the event remained unsold.
Across Moscow, the government has erected flags and elaborate pavilions at railway stations and key tourist spots, grandly proclaiming Intervision as the ‘No. 1 show in the world.’ State-controlled media has echoed this sentiment, presenting it as an event of monumental global importance.
Sergei V. Kiriyenko, a highly trusted aide to President Vladimir Putin, stated this week that ‘over four billion people’ would have the opportunity to view the broadcast.
However, public enthusiasm among Russians appears low. Several Russian news outlets have reported instances of individuals being hired to act as fans for various competing countries, tasked with greeting artists at the airport and cheering at the arena.
The American Connection: A Surprising Twist
Back in August, Intervision revealed that American singer Brandon Howard, also known as B. Howard and with links to Michael Jackson’s family, was slated to participate.
The process by which he came to represent the United States remains unclear, though contest rules permit any individual, business, or institution to nominate an artist.
However, B. Howard abruptly withdrew on Wednesday, citing ‘unforeseen family circumstances’ in a video shared on Russian social media.
Yet, an American presence persists. B. Howard announced in his withdrawal video that Vassy, a musician recognized for her collaborations on electronic dance music hits with artists like David Guetta and Tiësto, would take his place.
A point of interest: while Vassy’s official website identifies her as Greek-Australian, and a recent Instagram story showed her traveling with a Greek passport, she has stated in interviews that she became a U.S. citizen during the pandemic.
Her reception is uncertain, especially since Russian opposition media has highlighted her vocal support for LGBTQ+ groups and participation in Pride parades – details notably absent from state-run Russian media.
Vassy did not respond to inquiries for this piece.
Global Participants and Their Musical Messages
The Intervision lineup includes 23 acts, many from nations that have openly challenged or expressed skepticism towards Western global political dominance, such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
Among the performances, Wang Xi from China will deliver ‘Skyline,’ a powerful ballad. Venezuela’s Omar Acedo will bring ‘La Fiesta de la Paz,’ an energetic party track. South African group Mzansi Jikelele is set to perform ‘Home,’ a gospel anthem advocating for global unity, with lyrics proclaiming: ‘From Cape Town to Moscow / Together we rise / This world is our home.’
Intervision vs. Eurovision: The Key Differences
Unlike the typical Eurovision extravaganza, known for its flamboyant and often provocative spectacles – like this year’s Finnish entrant performing an innuendo-laden song atop a suspended giant microphone – Intervision is expected to be devoid of such high-camp theatrics.
Furthermore, while Eurovision champions are chosen through a combined vote of professional juries and television viewers, Intervision’s winner will be solely determined by a jury, comprising one representative from each participating nation.
Vuletic also highlighted the stark organizational contrast, noting that Intervision’s participants were announced just last month, with few of their songs available online. Eurovision, in contrast, reveals its performers months ahead of time, releasing their music to build anticipation.
Where to Watch the Intervision Song Contest
Intervision will be available for international streaming on YouTube and VK, a Russian social media and streaming platform. Organizers have also confirmed that 20 television networks from the participating countries will broadcast the event.
The contest is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will run for over three and a half hours.
Will President Putin Make an Appearance?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov stated that President Putin does not intend to attend the event in person. However, Peskov added that ‘one way or another, at least in fragments, of course, the president will have the opportunity to watch the television broadcast of this very important event.’