Overview

• The relaunched Intervision opened in Moscow with 23 acts, including entries from China, India and Brazil, in a contest ordered by President Vladimir Putin.
• Organisers emphasize “traditional family values,” with a professional jury choosing the winner and a top prize of 30 million roubles.
• Russia’s performer is Shaman, a pro-Kremlin pop star, as officials use the event to highlight national identity and cultural traditions.
• The United States’ participation shifted twice, with Brandon Howard withdrawing days before the final and organisers later saying his replacement, Vassy, also pulled out at the last minute.
• Organisers promote a vast international audience and online availability but have not published a list of foreign broadcasters, while critics in Kyiv call the event propaganda and local reports describe efforts to pad attendance.