Putin's Intervision launches: 23 countries participating, including China and India

Russia, which was excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest after its invasion of Ukraine, is launching its own international music competition on Saturday called Intervision.

The event is the brainchild of President Vladimir Putin and deliberately bears the Soviet retro title—but with a new message: it is intended to promote “traditional family values.”

A total of 23 countries are participating, including China, India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. The grand prize is 30 million rubles (around 337,000 euros).

A jury of experts will decide the winner.

The Russian organizers claim that the broadcast will be watched by more than four billion people, but did not specify which foreign broadcasters will air the show.

Among the participants is a representative from the US – singer Vassy, who is replacing Brandon Howard after he canceled his performance.

Serbia is the only country competing in both Eurovision and Intervision. Russia is represented by the patriotic singer Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), who is known for his pro-war performances.

The competition takes its name from a former festival in the Soviet bloc and, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is intended to be an “alternative for the preservation of traditions.”

Russia has participated in Eurovision 23 times and won once. However, the new format rejects “clichés and extravagance” and instead focuses on conservative values.

(reuters, red)