Overview

• The live final took place on September 20 at the Live Arena outside Moscow, with broadcasts on Channel One and VK Video and local carriage abroad.
• Russia’s entrant Shaman asked the panel not to score his performance, saying he would not contend for victory under the host’s code of hospitality.
• Organizers said acts from more than 20 countries competed, with opening performances by Dima Bilan and Polina Gagarina and a professional jury determining results.
• The winner receives a crystal trophy and 30 million rubles, in line with the contest regulations.
• The government-led relaunch followed a decree by President Vladimir Putin, 750 million rubles in funding, visa facilitation for participants, and messaging that emphasized a “deglobalization of culture,” with future viewer voting under consideration.