Can a music contest serve as a tool for cultural diplomacy?
In short: In September 2025, the revived Intervision Song Contest took center stage in Russia. Aiming to foster cooperation among BRICS and other nations, the event sought to promote traditional values, positioning itself as a direct alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Established by the International Radio and Television Organisation (OIRT) back in the 1960s, the 2025 Intervision edition brought back this contest. While the original contest served as an Eastern Bloc alternative to Eurovision until its discontinuation in 1980, the new version was driven by a 2025 decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The organizers aimed to develop international humanitarian cooperation and promote music that emphasizes spiritual and family values, explicitly rejecting what Russian officials described as 'fake values' seen in other international competitions.
The competition, held on 20 September 2025 at the Live Arena in Novoivanovskoye, featured 23 competing countries. Participants included representatives from BRICS, CIS, and various nations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. A total of 422 points earned Vietnam the win, featuring Đức Phúc performing 'Phù Đổng Thiên Vương'. Other top performers included Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, and Colombia, while the bottom five positions were held by Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Brazil.
The event was not without geopolitical friction. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the contest as a tool for hostile propaganda and a means of whitewashing Russian policy. During the final, it was announced that the United States' entrant, Vassy, would not perform due to alleged political pressure from the Australian government. Despite these tensions, the contest maintained a diverse participant list, including countries like Madagascar, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Intervision 2025
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