Overview

• The Sept. 20 final at Moscow’s Live Arena drew performers from more than 20 countries under a heavy but calm security presence.
• Vietnam’s Dyk Fuk won the contest, Kyrgyz trio Nomad placed second, and Qatar’s Dana Al‑Mir finished third.
• Russia’s Shaman performed his song but asked the jury not to score the entry.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said attempts to derail the event through pressure on participants failed.
• Organizers announced Saudi Arabia will host the 2026 edition and said U.S. entrant Vassy withdrew at the last minute due to political pressure from Australia.