At a Moscow concert hall, Shohruhmirzo Ganiyev is crooning about love and his motherland, Uzbekistan. Put your legs together like a man, suggests his voice coach. It's just a rehearsal, but Shohruhmirzo is singing his heart out. Uzbekistan is among 23 countries competing at the Intervision Song Contest, Russia's answer to Eurovision that promises a more Kremlin-centric approach.
Launched by Vladimir Putin, Intervision aims to foster international cultural cooperation while allowing Russia to reclaim its place on the global stages after being banned from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine. The contest features a diverse list of participants, including China, India, and Brazil, representing a range of political and economic alliances in stark contrast to the Eurovision lineup.
With past tensions surrounding Eurovision and its cultural values, Intervision seeks to project a softer national image, underscoring Russian tradition through performances and festivities. However, critics and onlookers, particularly from Ukraine, fear it may act as a diversion from the ongoing war's impact.
Despite its political undertones, artists exhibit pride in their heritage, with songs reflecting cultural narratives. As they navigate the intricacies of the contest's unique voting system, the anticipation surrounding whether Intervision can capture a global audience looms large, especially given the absence of public voting.
For many, including participants like Ganiyev, this contest signifies a new beginning, with eyes set on performing rather than competing with the shadow of Eurovision.
Launched by Vladimir Putin, Intervision aims to foster international cultural cooperation while allowing Russia to reclaim its place on the global stages after being banned from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine. The contest features a diverse list of participants, including China, India, and Brazil, representing a range of political and economic alliances in stark contrast to the Eurovision lineup.
With past tensions surrounding Eurovision and its cultural values, Intervision seeks to project a softer national image, underscoring Russian tradition through performances and festivities. However, critics and onlookers, particularly from Ukraine, fear it may act as a diversion from the ongoing war's impact.
Despite its political undertones, artists exhibit pride in their heritage, with songs reflecting cultural narratives. As they navigate the intricacies of the contest's unique voting system, the anticipation surrounding whether Intervision can capture a global audience looms large, especially given the absence of public voting.
For many, including participants like Ganiyev, this contest signifies a new beginning, with eyes set on performing rather than competing with the shadow of Eurovision.
