At a concert venue in Moscow, Shohruhmirzo Ganiev is passionately performing a song about love and Uzbekistan, his homeland.
“Position your legs with masculine confidence,” his voice coach and choreographer instructs. “And extend your arms further!”
Though merely a rehearsal, Shohruhmirzo delivers a heartfelt performance. He blends traditional Uzbek melodies with contemporary rhythms, skillfully playing the doira, an ancient Central Asian drum.
Uzbekistan stands among the 23 nations vying for recognition at the Intervision Song Contest.
This event serves as Russia’s counterpart to Eurovision, distinguished by a more subdued presentation and a stronger connection to the Kremlin.
Intervision 2025 is the brainchild of Vladimir Putin, who formalized its revival through a decree aimed at “enhancing international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.”
The initiative’s underlying motive is to establish an international song competition where Moscow can actively participate, following Russia’s exclusion from Eurovision in 2022 due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A recurring pattern is evident.
When Team Russia faced a ban from the Olympic Games, Moscow sought to create alternative sporting events, such as the Games of the Future and the World Friendship Games.
The Kremlin has now developed its own rendition of Eurovision.
What are the defining characteristics of this contest, and who are its participants?
For Intervision, Russia has extended invitations to nations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The roster of participants mirrors the political and economic alliances that include Russia, such as the Brics group, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The participating countries include China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Venezuela, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Madagascar, presenting a distinct musical landscape compared to Eurovision. This event offers the Kremlin a platform to demonstrate that, despite its invasion of Ukraine, Russia maintains international alliances.
The United States is also participating, indicating a potential improvement in US-Russian relations since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
This thaw does not eliminate all challenges. Brandon Howard, initially selected to represent America at Intervision, withdrew just before the competition.
“Regrettably, I encountered domestic family issues that prevented my international travel and participation,” stated the singer, known as B.Howard, in a conversation from the US.
“Nonetheless, I am convinced it is a truly remarkable event.”
“Were you advised against participating due to the ongoing conflict?” I inquired.
“Some fans expressed minor concerns regarding this matter. However, the overwhelming majority were encouraging and viewed my participation as a beacon of hope.”
B.Howard has been succeeded by Vassy, an Australian-Greek vocalist residing in Los Angeles.
“The 23 participating nations encompass 4.3 billion individuals,” noted senior Kremlin official Sergei Kiriyenko. “This figure accounts for over half of the world’s population.”
Mr. Kiriyenko, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Putin, heads the song contest’s supervisory board. He made a brief appearance at an Intervision press conference this week, alongside Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
“It is often suggested that Eurovision incorporates political elements,” I remarked to Mr. Lavrov. “However, the representation here, involving the Kremlin, the foreign ministry, and the Russian government, suggests that Intervision is a purely political or geopolitical endeavor. Is this a fair assessment?”
“If certain governments choose not to develop mechanisms for cultural support, that is their prerogative,” Mr. Lavrov responded. “In Russia, the state actively promotes the arts. Your inquiry reflects a concern about competition.”
In Ukraine, there are concerns that Moscow is using Intervision to divert international attention from the conflict.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine views the Intervision 2025 song contest, organized by Russia, as a hostile propaganda tool intended to sanitize the aggressive policies of the Russian Federation,” the ministry stated in May.
The conflict remains a topic of concern for some involved in Intervision.
“The ongoing conflict is alarming, and we had considerable concerns,” stated Renee Kruger of the South African group Mzansi Jikelele.
“However, we were reassured and encouraged to participate without apprehension. While some anxieties persist, we have been exceptionally well-received.”
Representing Russia at Intervision 2025 is Yaroslav Dronov, known as Shaman. The European Union sanctioned him last year for “supporting actions and policies that undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”
His repertoire includes I’m Russian, a patriotic anthem declaring:
“I’m Russian, I persevere… I’m Russian, defying the world.”
This contrasts sharply with the inclusive themes of songs like Love Shine A Light or Save Your Kisses for Me.
Russia is employing Intervision to present a more benign image, diverging from the narrative established by three and a half years of conflict in Ukraine.
At the official song contest draw, international delegations are treated to a traditional Russian feast, including cottage cheese pancakes and gingerbread emblazoned with the Intervision logo. While folk dancers deliver a vibrant performance, volunteers distribute large necklaces of bread rings, symbolizing Russian hospitality.
Participants approach a large samovar, select a teacup, and fill it with hot water. The cups reveal the performance slot number for each country.
From folk costumes to blinis, tradition is emphasized.
The stated objective of the contest is to “explore the unique cultural traditions and accomplishments of participating countries, as well as to promote universal, spiritual, family, cultural, ethical, and religious traditions across different nations.”
The international performers have internalized this mandate.
“My song conveys Vietnamese culture,” states Vietnamese entrant Duc Phuc. “I aim to share the essence of Vietnam with the global audience.”
“How were you selected to represent your country?” I inquired.
“The Ministry of Culture made the selection.”
“Our song is about a woman named Maria,” says Brazilian entrant Tais Nader. “Maria symbolizes the typical Brazilian woman. She works diligently to earn a living. Yet, she is always smiling, and her eyes sparkle with hope.”
“Are you familiar with Eurovision?” I asked.
“Actually, while researching Intervision, we discovered Eurovision online! Before, neither Intervision nor Eurovision were familiar to us. It’s a new experience.”
For many Russians, Intervision is also novel, a revival from the past.
The original Intervision Song Contest was conceived during the Cold War, a period when East and West were engaged in intense competition across various domains, including space exploration, arms development, and cultural influence.
From the mid-1950s, Eurovision established itself as a prominent event in Western Europe, while Eastern bloc song festivals in Czechoslovakia and Poland occasionally adopted the ‘Intervision’ label.
However, there was some overlap. Finland participated in both Eurovision and Intervision, and notable Western artists made guest appearances in the East. Gloria Gaynor, Petula Clarke, and Boney-M all performed at Intervision.
Following the fall of communism, Russia and Eastern Europe embraced the sweeping political changes and sought to participate in Eurovision. I witnessed this firsthand in 1996 when, by chance, I co-presented Russian TV’s Song for Europe competition to select a Eurovision entry.
During a tour of Russian TV, I engaged in conversation with the show’s director. Upon learning of my enthusiasm for Eurovision, he invited me to co-host the program that evening. I vividly recall the excitement in the studio that night, not only for Eurovision but also for Russia’s integration into the European community.
As the Kremlin’s relationship with the West deteriorated and Moscow intensified its critique of Western liberalism and “non-traditional values,” Russia’s dissatisfaction with the Eurovision Song Contest escalated.
This was particularly evident after Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst won Eurovision in 2014.
“Awarding first place to a bearded lady is an affront to humanity,” Russian MP Valery Rashkin told me at the time.
Mr. Rashkin advocated for Russia’s withdrawal from Eurovision and proposed the establishment of its own Voice of Eurasia contest. Another MP suggested “Goodvision” as a potential replacement.
It became clear that the Eurovision Song Contest and Russia were on a collision course. Eurovision underscored its commitment to the LGBTQ community, presenting itself as a platform for inclusivity and diversity. In contrast, Russia initiated a crackdown on gay rights and criminalized public expressions of LGBTQ identity.
There will be no overt displays of camp at the Intervision Song Contest.
The central questions are: will audiences embrace Intervision? Will the performers and songs captivate the imagination of viewers across numerous continents? The significant time differences between the participating countries may hinder the shared viewing experience typically associated with Eurovision.
Furthermore, there will be no public vote, only a jury comprised of one member from each country. The voting mechanism remains undisclosed.
“The voting system has been specifically designed for Intervision by a renowned scientist and mathematician,” Russian TV’s Intervision commentator Yana Churikova told me.
Back in the rehearsal room, Uzbekistan’s entrant Shohruhmirzo Ganiev admits that he is not fully aware of the intricacies of the voting system. He is simply delighted to be participating, and his mother, who is watching proudly, shares his excitement.
Although Uzbekistan does not participate in Eurovision, Shohruhmirzo notes that the contest is well-known in his country. However, his present focus is on his performance at Intervision.
“I am very pleased to be part of Intervision,” he says. “I am putting Eurovision behind me.”
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