Under bright lights and loud cheers, the Intervision song contest took place in Moscow, reminiscent of the popular Eurovision. This event, akin to its European counterpart, featured 23 acts from various countries, including China, India, and Brazil. The ultimate winner was Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc, whose moving ballad captivated the audience against a stunning backdrop of a solar eclipse.
After winning, Duc Phuc expressed his disbelief and gratitude. “I’m shocked, thank you so much… I couldn’t even imagine winning such a large-scale competition,” he said. His performance, along with others, was enjoyed by enthusiastic fans who filled the streets outside the venue.
The revived Intervision, backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, aims to promote “traditional family values” after Russia’s ban from Eurovision. However, like Eurovision, it was not without political nuances. The expected U.S. contestant, Vassy, pulled out due to “unprecedented political pressure,” according to the organizers. This situation raised questions about the contest’s claim of being apolitical.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted there was no political agenda, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. However, the backdrop of past events loomed large. The original Intervision ran from 1965 to 1980 as a way for the Soviet Union to showcase its soft power.
The timing of this revival is telling. Following Russia’s removal from Eurovision due to the invasion of Ukraine, officials moved quickly to resurrect Intervision. Putin even expressed confidence that the contest would become globally recognized and beloved.
Unlike Eurovision, which hosts primarily European nations, Intervision included various countries allied with Russia such as Brazil and Cuba, alongside former Soviet republics. This mix created a unique platform where participants celebrated the essence of music. The Tajikistan representative described the stage as overwhelming, while UAE’s contestant emphasized music as a unifying language.
Yet, notable differences stood out. While Eurovision embraces diversity, Intervision sidesteps LGBTQ+ representation, which is restricted in Russia. Many at the event espoused traditional values, reflecting a clear “anti-woke” stance. One fan noted, “Heterosexualism is very important to us,” highlighting the contest’s ideological leanings.
As the competition wrapped up, officials affirmed that Intervision would return next year, hosted by Saudi Arabia. While its future remains to be seen, the contest’s revival is a vivid reminder of music’s ability to reflect cultural and political undercurrents.
For more insight into the significance of music contests in fostering cultural exchange, you can refer to this BBC article.
