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2w ago

Vietnam’s Duc Phuc Wins Revived Intervision as Dispute Over Vassy’s Withdrawal Persists

A Kremlin-backed reboot promoting “traditional values” faces credibility questions over opaque selection and contested claims of political pressure.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Duc Phuc of Vietnam wins the new global song competition called Intervision, initially positioned as a response to the long-running European Eurovision music contest, in Moscow, Russia on September 21, 2025. (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Vietnam's Duc Phuc performs during the Intervision Song Contest at the Live Arena in Moscow on September 20, 2025. With artists from 23 countries, hopes for a billion-plus viewers and a generous sprinkle of glitter, Russia hosts Intervision on September 20, 2025, a song contest championed by Moscow as a rival to Eurovision. (Photo by Olesya KURPYAYEVA / AFP) (Photo by OLESYA KURPYAYEVA/AFP via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 13 (RUSSIA OUT) Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the celebration of the City Day, on September 13, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. Muscovites mark the 878th anniversary of Moscow this weekend. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Intervision’s Moscow final ended with Vietnam’s Duc Phuc winning a jury-decided contest and a 30 million-rouble prize.
  • Australian-born singer VASSY left at the last minute after being slated to represent the United States, with organizers alleging Australian government pressure.
  • Australia’s Foreign Ministry said it had “no engagement” with the event, and VASSY told ABC she was in shock and would comment further after consulting officials.
  • The lineup drew 22–23 countries largely from Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, with no EU performers, as Putin framed the contest around “traditional” cultural values.
  • Organizers confirmed Saudi Arabia will host the 2026 edition, as questions remain over participant selection, transparency and the event’s international reach.