Russia brings back Soviet-era international singing contest to rival Eurovision
China and India among 23 countries to compete in Russia’s answer to Eurovision
- Russia is launching a new international song contest called Intervision, at the behest of President Vladimir Putin, following its ban from Eurovision in 2022.
- The competition, which revives a Soviet-era contest name, aims to promote 'traditional family values' and has been labelled 'an instrument of hostile propaganda' by Kyiv.
- Singers from 23 countries, including China, India, Brazil, and nations Russia considers friendly such as Belarus and Saudi Arabia, will compete for a cash prize of 30 million roubles.
- Unlike Eurovision, a professional jury from each participating country will decide the outcome, rather than the viewing public, with the show broadcast live on Russian television.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Intervision offers an 'alternative approach' to preserving national cultures, contrasting it with Eurovision's perceived embrace of diverse values.