In a dazzling display of musical talent, Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc has been crowned the winner of Russia’s Intervision Song Contest, held recently in Moscow. Vietnam was among the 23 nations that participated in this re-imagined, Soviet-era competition.
The Intervision Song Contest has been revived by President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant event three years after Russia’s ban from the Eurovision Song Contest. This revival comes amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine’s foreign ministry calling the contest an “instrument of hostile propaganda and a means of whitewashing the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation.” Putin, however, expressed confidence that the event would grow into a globally recognised and cherished spectacle.
The BBC’s correspondent, Steve Rosenberg, was present at the event, offering an insider’s perspective on Russia’s alternative to Eurovision. You can find more details about this unique musical and political convergence in our related article.