Vietnamese singer wins Russia’s Eurovision rival Intervision

Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc has won the Russia’s alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Intervision.

Duc Phuc, who is best known in Vietnam for viral hit and queer anthem “More Than Love”, was voted the winner of the Intervision Song Contest on Sunday (21 September) after competing with the song “PHÙ ĐỔNG THIÊN VƯƠNG”. 23 countries including China and Brazil took part in the contest held in Moscow.

“I’m shocked, thank you so much … I couldn’t even imagine that I would win such a large-scale (competition),” Duc Phuc said after winning as reported by CNN. “It’s a surprise to me that I’ve gained so many fans here … I’m very grateful to all the viewers,” he added.

The contest is revival of the Soviet-era contest Russia designed to compete with Eurovision during the Cold War. Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, revived it following Russia’s expulsion from Eurovision three years ago after it invaded Ukraine.

CNN also reports that Putin spoke briefly during a recorded message at the event. “I am confident that the competition will become one of the most recognisable and beloved worldwide, because through dialogue, mutual respect, and the strengthening of trust between cultures, we become spiritually richer,” he said.

According to Intervision’s guidelines, the event should “promote universal, spiritual, family, cultural, ethical, and religious traditions of different nations.”

Similar language has been used by Russia in its campaign at reducing LGBTQ+ rights. An example of this is the 2013 a law officially titled “for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values,” which banned any public representation of non-heteronormative behaviour and relationships. It has since been greatly expanded upon, as well as more anti-LGBTQ+ laws coming into effect.

However, Russia’s Culture Minister, Olga Lyubimova, is quoted by CNN as saying Intervision isn’t about politics. Instead, it’s about “talented people,” Lyubimova clarified. Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said much the same.

The US was due to be represented by Vassy on Sunday. But the electronic artist, who has dual US-Australian citizen dropped out late in the day. However, former Deep Purple’s Joe Lynn Turner joined Intervision’s international jury.

Intervision 2026 will take place in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Eurovision 2026 is taking place in Vienna. However, several countries have threatened to pull out if Israel is allowed to compete.

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