Overview

• The final at Live Arena is underway with heightened security, a red‑carpet appearance by most delegations, pre‑show audience singing, and live coverage on First Channel and VK Video.
• Russia’s entrant Shaman performs ninth with the song “Pryamo po serdtsu” written by Maxim Fadeev, saying his focus is to represent the country with dignity.
• A 23‑member international panel will determine the result, with Russia represented by producer Igor Matvienko and the detailed voting regulation available only to jurors.
• Matvienko characterized the event’s mission as cultural “de‑globalization” and said public voting could be introduced in future editions, noting technical constraints this year.
• South Africa’s Mzansi Jikelele singled out Vietnam’s Đức Phúc as a top rival, Kenya’s juror expects viewers at home to watch online due to no local broadcaster, and Brazil’s juror said hosting there in the future would be welcome.