Vietnam’s Historic Win at Intervision
This past weekend, Vietnam emerged victorious at the newly relaunched Intervision music contest, a Russian alternative to the popular Eurovision. The competition aims to endorse traditional values and modern technology while contrasting what the organizers deem the “decadent values” of Eurovision.
A Celebration of Culture and Emotion
The event took place at the Live Arena near Moscow, featuring a 20-country lineup. Duc Phuc, a renowned artist from Vietnam who gained fame as a winner of The Voice a decade ago, captivated the audience with a poignant song inspired by a Vietnamese poem about bamboo. His heartfelt performance earned him the top prize, and he expressed his deep gratitude to all attendees for their support during the four-hour event.
Key Figures and Performances
Among the participants was Shaman, a prominent figure known for his patriotic performances. He delivered a lyrical piece but requested that the jury disregard his participation, citing the importance of hospitality in Russian culture. This gesture highlighted the underlying complexities of the contest amid geopolitical tensions.
Vladimir Putin praised the concept of Intervision, emphasizing the need to uphold traditional values and celebrate diverse cultures. Many contestants performed in their native languages, donning traditional costumes, while augmented reality was used to introduce each participant, showcasing their national heritage.
Challenges and Political Pressures
Despite the ambitious plans for Intervision, not all participants could attend. Vassy, an Australian electronic and pop singer slated to represent the United States, withdrew due to “unprecedented political pressure” from the Australian government, illustrating the wider tensions afflicting global arts and culture.
The jury, which included Joe Lynn Turner, former member of Deep Purple, provided an international perspective on the performances, enhancing the contest’s appeal. Other notable acts included a lively rumba from Cuban artist Zulema Iglesias Salazar and a stirring performance from Malgache duo Denise and D-Lain.
The Future of Intervision
The organizers announced that the next Intervision will take place in 2026 in Saudi Arabia. This follows a deliberate strategy to position the contest as a counter-narrative to Eurovision, particularly in light of Russia’s exclusion from the latter since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Viewer Expectations
With anticipation running high, the event was broadcast live, and organizers estimated that viewership could reach up to a billion across participating nations, which include significant BRICS partners such as China, India, and Brazil. Konstantin Ernst, general director of Russian public television channel Pervy Kanal, expressed confidence in achieving unprecedented audience numbers, rivaling those of Eurovision, which reached 166 million viewers this year alone.
A Legacy Revived
Intervision, originally launched in 1965 in Czechoslovakia, sought to unite the musical talents of the Soviet bloc nations. Its revival reflects not just an artistic endeavor but also a political statement amid divided global perspectives on culture and values. As Intervision aims to celebrate its roots and reinvent itself, it raises questions about the future of international contests in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
