Russia organizes competing music event 'Intervision' after being excluded from Eurovision song contest
Russia is set to host its own international song contest, Intervision, this Saturday. The contest, which will be held in Moscow, is being held at President Vladimir Putin's behest and will feature singers from 23 countries, including China, India, Brazil, and Belarus.
One of the most anticipated acts is 'Shaman' (Yaroslav Dronov), who will represent Moscow with a Russian-language song called 'Straight to the Heart'. Known for his controversial performances, 'Shaman' has gained popularity on Russian state TV through war-fuelled patriotic songs like 'I am Russian'.
Intervision is intended to promote 'traditional family values' and will be broadcast live on Russian television and will also be available over the internet or on TV in other countries with a combined population of over 4 billion people. The foreign broadcasting stations that announced they will air the contest include those from friendly countries to Russia such as Kazakhstan, Venezuela, India, China, Belarus, Cuba, and Qatar. The United States also announced participation, although it is unclear whether their participation is officially supported or whether the US broadcaster will air the event. Serbia is the only country participating in both Eurovision and Intervision, with Australian-born artist 'Vassy' representing the United States.
In contrast, Russia participated in Eurovision 23 times, winning it in 2008 with the song 'Believe' by Dima Bilan. However, Intervision has been excluded from the Eurovision song contest due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Intervision will differ from Eurovision in that a professional jury of representatives from each country will decide the outcome of the contest, rather than the viewing public. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that Russia has not banned its citizens from watching Eurovision. In his speech, Lavrov made a reference to Eurovision's 2014 winner, Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst, expressing support for 'alternative approaches' to preserving traditions and national cultures, possibly in reference to Intervision.
Russia has strict rules banning actions deemed to promote homosexuality, and the international LGBT public movement is considered an extremist organization in Russia. This has led to controversy and criticism from human rights groups and Western governments.
Despite the controversy, Intervision is expected to be a major event in the Russian entertainment calendar and will no doubt attract a large audience both in Russia and around the world.
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