Shunned By Eurovision, Russia To Host Rival ‘Intervision’ With India, China And 20+ Nations

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 20:33 IST

Putin announced the creation of Intervision, reviving the name of a Soviet-era contest once used to showcase cultural ties among Eastern bloc nations

From left to right: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (AP photo)

Russia is launching its own international music competition, Intervision, on Saturday after being banned from Eurovision in 2022. The event is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and aims to promote what organisers call “traditional family values”.

The contest features singers from 23 countries, including India, China, Brazil, and South Africa — nations that together represent more than half of the world’s population. The winner will receive a prize of 30 million roubles (about $360,000).

Russia was excluded from Eurovision following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In response, Putin announced the creation of Intervision, reviving the name of a Soviet-era contest once used to showcase cultural ties among Eastern bloc nations. A top Kremlin aide has been appointed to oversee the event.

Intervision will be broadcast live on Russian state television. Organisers say the show will also be available online and on TV in several participating countries, though no full list of international broadcasters has been released.

Performers will be allowed to sing in any language. Unlike Eurovision, where public voting plays a key role, Intervision will be judged by a professional jury, with representatives from each country casting votes.

Participating countries include Belarus, Cuba, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Venezuela, and Serbia — the only country taking part in both Eurovision and Intervision. The United States will also be represented by Australian-born artist Vassy, after American singer Brandon Howard withdrew from the contest, citing personal reasons.

Moscow will be represented by “Shaman”, a stage name for Yaroslav Dronov, known for his patriotic songs such as I Am Russian. He will perform Straight to the Heart, a song in Russian. Dronov has gained national attention for his highly charged stage performances and regular appearances on state media.

In contrast to Eurovision’s flamboyant style, Intervision’s organisers say the event promotes “universal, traditional, and family values”. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference that the show offers an “alternative approach” to cultural expression. He added that Russia does not ban people from watching Eurovision, but prefers to “preserve traditions and moral values”.

Russia last competed in Eurovision in 2021. It had taken part 23 times since 1994 and won once in 2008 with Believe by Dima Bilan.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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