Duc Phuc Wins Intervision Contest in Moscow
Vietnam’s representative, Duc Phuc, emerged victorious at the Intervision music festival in Moscow on September 20, 2025, a competition considered an alternative to Eurovision that promotes traditional values and is backed by the Kremlin, reports 24brussels.
Phuc secured the win with a score of 422 points, defeating Kyrgyzstan’s The Nomad Trio, who obtained 373 points for second place, while Qatar’s Dana Al Meer finished third with 369 points. The results were determined by an international jury and revealed only to the event’s presenter for an official announcement.
Next year’s Intervision contest will be held in Saudi Arabia, according to festival organizers. The Russian government allocated 750 million rubles for event financing, managed by the organization Traditions of Art, affirming that it aims to highlight the unifying power of art while showcasing national identities and fostering inter-ethnic ties.
The festival’s inauguration was marked by a performance from Cuban artist Zulema Iglesias, who charmed attendees with her Guaguancó song. Despite anticipation for a dynamic competition featuring 23 countries from various regions, the American contestant Vassy canceled her participation due to “political pressure” exerted by the Australian government, as cited by the presenters during the live broadcast.
In February 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin mandated the festival’s organization to promote cultural dialogue, appointing Dmitry Chernyshenko as chair of the organizing committee. Putin expressed confidence that Intervision will become a prestigious global event, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to openness and cultural exchange despite its current geopolitical tension, notably in light of ongoing disputes concerning Ukraine.
This year’s event had significant implications, reflecting the broader context of international artistic collaboration amidst rising geopolitical strains. The festival aimed not only to celebrate diverse musical talents but also to reinforce narratives advantageous to Russian cultural diplomacy.
