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Vietnamese Singer Duke Phuc Wins Russia‘s “intervivor” Competition
moscow, Russia - March 10, 2024 – Duke Phuc, representing Vietnam, was declared the winner of “Intervivor,” a new international music competition launched by Russia as an alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest.The event, which concluded today, featured performers from 23 countries and drew an estimated audience potentially reaching one billion viewers, according to organizers.
The competition,presented by Russian authorities as a showcase of “traditional values” in contrast to eurovision’s perceived “decadent” Western influence,saw participants largely performing in their native languages and often donning national attire. A key moment involved Russian singer The Russian Shaman, a prominent figure in patriotic concerts, who performed a lyrical song before requesting the jury disregard his participation, stating, “Hospitality is an inalienable part of the Russian soul and I understand that, according to the law of hospitality, I do not have the right to be among the contenders for victory.”
Notably, no countries from the European Union participated, coinciding with heavy Western sanctions against russia following its 2022 offensive in Ukraine. The United States was initially slated to be represented by Australian singer Vassy (Vasiliki Karagiorgos), but she withdrew at the last minute due to what organizers described as “Unprecedented political pressures of the Australian government.” American rock singer Joe Lynn turner, formerly of Deep Purple, served on the international jury that ultimately selected Phuc as the winner.
Other performers included Cuban Zulema Iglesias Salazar, Qatari singer Dana Al Meer (voice of the 2022 FIFA World Cup), the Malagasy duo Denise and D-Slain, and Serbian artist Slobodan Trkulja.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the competition’s “Main idea” as one of “To respect traditional values and multiple cultures.”
The next edition of “Intervivor” is scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2026. The event’s potential reach of one billion viewers, representing over 4 billion inhabitants across participating nations – including BRICS partners like brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates - considerably surpasses the 166 million viewers recorded for the 69th edition of Eurovision in May 2024, held in Basel, Switzerland.
