On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Vietnam celebrated a historic win at the Intervision Song Contest, which took place near Moscow, Russia. The winner was Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc, whose performance captivated both the jury and the international audience.

This competition is seen as a conservative alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, emphasizing traditional family values and cultural heritage. It is also politically significant because Russia created it as a rival to Eurovision after being excluded from the event in 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.

A Glimpse Into Intervision

The Intervision Song Contest first gained popularity decades ago in Eastern Europe, but it lost attention in the 1990s after the Cold War ended. In recent years, Russian President Vladimir Putin revived the competition as part of a cultural and political initiative. The contest now serves as a platform for countries that share traditional values, including respect for family, heritage, and community.

This year, over 20 countries participated in the competition. Countries represented included China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and several nations from Europe, Asia, and South America. In total, participants from the contest represented more than half of the world’s population.

This global representation has helped the Intervision Song Contest gain attention as a serious musical competition with political and cultural significance.

Unlike Eurovision, which is known for liberal themes, bright costumes, and highly energetic performances, Intervision emphasizes storytelling, cultural authenticity, and messages about tradition and national pride. Organizers also highlight that the event is designed to promote music that strengthens family values, social unity, and respect for history.

Duc Phuc’s Performance and Victory

Vietnam’s winner, Duc Phuc, performed a song inspired by a Vietnamese folktale about a heroic king. The performance combined powerful vocals, intricate choreography, and stunning stage effects. Pyrotechnics, light displays, and traditional Vietnamese costumes were part of the visual appeal, creating a dramatic experience for the audience.

Duc Phuc earned 422 points from the international jury, securing first place in the competition. As a result, he received a cash prize of 30 million roubles, which is approximately $360,000. He was also awarded the Intervision trophy.

His victory is significant because it highlights Vietnam’s growing influence in international cultural events. Many observers noted that Duc Phuc’s performance not only impressed the judges but also resonated with audiences around the world, showcasing Vietnamese music, culture, and storytelling.

Fans of the contest praised his ability to combine modern stage techniques with traditional storytelling. By blending contemporary performance styles with historical and cultural references, Duc Phuc showed that music can both entertain and educate. Music critics suggested that his win could encourage other countries to incorporate their own cultural stories into international competitions, promoting diversity in global music events.

Controversy Over U.S. Participation

The 2025 Intervision Song Contest also attracted controversy regarding participation from the United States. Initially, the U.S. had planned to be represented by singer Brandon Howard. However, he withdrew from the competition at the last minute, citing personal and family reasons.

After his withdrawal, Australian-born singer Vassy, who holds a U.S. passport, was invited to represent the United States. She also withdrew, with organizers citing “political pressure from the government of Australia” as the reason for her exit. This situation left the U.S. without a participant for the contest, which drew attention from international media.

Some commentators viewed these withdrawals as evidence of the political nature of the contest. Others argued that the absence of U.S. representation highlighted the difference between Intervision and Eurovision, emphasizing that Intervision is not only about music but also about geopolitics and cultural messaging.

Russia’s Role as Host

Russia’s participation in hosting the Intervision Song Contest plays an important role in shaping the event’s identity. This year, Russia’s own entry was performed by nationalist singer “Shaman” (Yaroslav Dronov). However, he asked the jury to disregard his performance since Russia was already hosting the contest.

Despite this, Shaman’s performance symbolized Russia’s active cultural and political presence in the competition. Hosting the event allows Russia to influence the themes, presentation style, and overall tone of the contest. Organizers highlighted that the event is meant to project values that align with Russia’s vision of cultural and social priorities.

Global Reach and Broadcast

The contest was broadcast live on Russian television and streamed online to audiences in Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. This approach allowed millions of viewers to experience the competition in real-time, generating conversation and media coverage globally. The broadcast also highlighted the growing importance of online streaming for international cultural events.

The use of streaming platforms ensures that audiences beyond traditional television can access the contest, making it more inclusive and visible. Music fans, cultural enthusiasts, and scholars of geopolitics all watched the event closely.

Social media platforms also buzzed with reactions, particularly when Duc Phuc’s win was announced. Fans celebrated the creativity, technical skill, and cultural storytelling in his performance.

Cultural and Political Significance

Intervision’s revival reflects more than just an interest in music. The contest is a tool for promoting cultural identity, traditional values, and international alliances. Countries that participate often have shared perspectives on cultural preservation, family values, and social norms.

Experts in international relations note that the contest allows Russia to build soft power. By hosting a major cultural event, Russia can shape narratives about global traditions, music, and morality. For participating countries, the contest provides a platform to showcase their own cultural heritage while building diplomatic and cultural connections with other nations.

The Future of Intervision

The Intervision Song Contest is expected to continue growing in popularity. Next year, the event is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, further demonstrating its international reach. Organizers aim to keep expanding the competition to include more countries and audiences, while continuing to emphasize traditional values and cultural storytelling.

Music experts suggest that the contest could become a key annual event in global culture, providing an alternative to Eurovision and other international music competitions. The focus on heritage, family values, and cultural narratives makes it distinct from other contests that primarily prioritize entertainment and spectacle.

Impact on Vietnam and Duc Phuc

Vietnam’s win at Intervision marks an important achievement for the country’s music industry. Duc Phuc’s success could inspire other Vietnamese artists to participate in international competitions, promoting the country’s culture globally. His victory also brings attention to Vietnamese music traditions, folktales, and performance styles, encouraging global audiences to explore more of Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage.

For Duc Phuc personally, winning Intervision is a milestone in his career. The recognition, prize money, and international exposure provide new opportunities for performances, collaborations, and creative projects. Fans and fellow musicians celebrated his success on social media, reinforcing the global appeal of his music.

Music as a Cultural Bridge

The contest also demonstrates how music can serve as a bridge between cultures. While political and social factors influence participation and hosting, the performances themselves focus on universal themes like heroism, love, and community. Music allows countries to express their identity and share stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

Intervision’s emphasis on cultural storytelling ensures that music is more than entertainment—it becomes a medium for education, understanding, and appreciation of diverse traditions. This aspect of the contest sets it apart from other international competitions, making it both meaningful and impactful.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its success, the contest faces challenges. The political nature of Intervision may discourage participation from certain countries, as seen with the United States. Critics argue that political influence could overshadow the artistic aspects of the competition.

However, supporters believe that all international competitions inevitably involve some level of politics. By carefully balancing cultural messaging, music quality, and international participation, Intervision aims to maintain its credibility while promoting its core values.

The 2025 Intervision Song Contest was a landmark event for Vietnam, Russia, and the global audience. Duc Phuc’s performance captivated viewers, demonstrating how music can combine artistry, culture, and storytelling. Vietnam’s victory highlights the country’s growing influence in international music and the potential for cultural exchange through song.

Russia’s hosting role and the political context of the event emphasize that Intervision is more than a music competition—it is a platform for cultural diplomacy and soft power. The contest’s focus on traditional family values, heritage, and storytelling distinguishes it from Eurovision, providing a unique alternative in the global music landscape.

As Intervision continues to expand, with Saudi Arabia hosting next year, the competition is likely to become a key event for countries seeking to celebrate their culture, engage with international audiences, and participate in a platform that values tradition alongside music.

Duc Phuc’s victory serves as an example of how artists can showcase their culture to the world while gaining international recognition. His performance, combining traditional Vietnamese storytelling with modern stage techniques, demonstrates the power of music to unite, inspire, and educate.

Overall, the Intervision Song Contest continues to grow in significance, offering countries and artists a chance to celebrate tradition, creativity, and excellence in music. For Vietnam, the win is a moment of national pride, and for Duc Phuc, it marks a major step in his musical journey.