In a significant international music achievement, Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc has been crowned the winner of Russia’s Intervision song contest. The event, held in Moscow, saw participation from 23 countries, marking a revival of the Soviet-era competition.
This year’s Intervision contest comes three years after Russia was excluded from Eurovision due to its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his optimism for the contest, stating his confidence that it would evolve into “one of the most recognisable and beloved events in the world.”
However, the contest has also faced criticism. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has labeled the 2025 Intervision as an “instrument of hostile propaganda” and a tool to “whitewash the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation.” Despite this, countries like China and India participated. Notably, Australian-born singer Vassy, representing the United States, withdrew at the eleventh hour, citing “unprecedented political pressure from the Government of Australia,” according to the organizers.
The report also provides further context on Russia’s alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest.
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