Kathrine Frich
He presents it as a non-“woke” showcase that celebrates “traditional values.”
He presents it as a non-“woke” showcase that celebrates “traditional values.”
Putin Revives Intervision as Anti-Eurovision Spectacle
Vladimir Putin is bringing back Intervision, a Soviet-era song contest, to rival Eurovision.
He presents it as a non-“woke” showcase that celebrates “traditional values.”
The Kremlin frames the event as proof Russia is not isolated despite sanctions and the war in Ukraine.
Paid Crowds Undercut Claims of Popularity
Despite Putin’s claim the show “has already generated keen interest,” reports say the Kremlin is paying people to attend.
The Insider described cash offers to fill seats for recordings and show days.
The effort suggests organisers fear empty stands and flat TV shots.
Cash for Long Days in the Audience
Potential attendees were promised a modest fee to sit through marathon tapings.
The schedule includes a pre-recorded dance flash mob, a dress rehearsal, and the main concert in Moscow on September 20.
The package aims to secure reliable crowd shots across multiple days.
Strict Dress Code and Vetting
Social media ads used to recruit the crowd listed clothing bans.
Participants were told not to wear yellow and blue, ripped jeans, or logoed items.
The rules appear designed to prevent pro-Ukraine symbolism and to control the event’s optics.
“Traditional Values” as the Selling Point
Putin told leaders at an Asian security conference the contest would restore “traditional values.”
He said it seeks to promote “universal, cultural and spiritual values,” positioning Intervision as an alternative to “woke” Eurovision.
The messaging targets both domestic and like-minded foreign audiences.
Authoritarian-Leaning Line-Up
The revamped contest plans to draw entrants from states friendly to Moscow, including China, Venezuela, and Belarus.
Russia is set to feature the pro-war singer Shaman, real name Yaroslav Dronov.
His partner is Yekaterina Mizulina, head of Russia’s Safe Internet League.
Unusual Casting Choices Grab Attention
Reports say the United States will be represented by Brandon Howard, rumoured to be Michael Jackson’s son.
The booking adds tabloid intrigue to an otherwise tightly controlled spectacle.
Organisers appear keen to spark international chatter around the line-up.
Audience Offer Spelled Out in Writing
One potential attendee received a detailed message about terms.
“Those who endure at least 13 hours each day for both days will not only be paid 6,000 rubles (£56) but will also be guaranteed invitations for September 18 and 20 – but only if full passport data is provided, as access to the venue on these days will be strictly controlled.”
The wording underscores how managed the event will be.
A Soviet Throwback With Quirky History
Intervision dates to the 1960s and later the late 1970s, when it served as the socialist bloc’s answer to Eurovision.
At its peak, viewers allegedly voted by turning home lights on or off, measured via electricity usage.
The revival leans on nostalgia while rebranding for today’s information war.
Eurovision Context and Putin’s Past Performance
Russia competed in Eurovision from 1994 to 2021, won in 2008, and hosted in 2009, before being banned in 2022 after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Putin once sang “Blueberry Hill” at a 2010 charity event in St Petersburg before Western celebrities. Whether he will perform at Intervision is unknown.
