Vietnam Stuns World, Wins Russia’s Intervision – Eurovision’s Controversial Rival

[{"selector":"#anim-6f766cc6-c060-4592-ac73-b58e9b7ba701 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.10371166966311%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Duc Phuc took the crown at the 2025 Intervision finals in Moscow

[{"selector":"#anim-38f70470-d4e3-4035-babe-684489307d5a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.294197277389078%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Backed by Vladimir Putin, Intervision is Russia’s answer to Eurovision—rooted in conservative values

[{"selector":"#anim-7e617c35-04f1-4fd5-aaa4-dabe7fec4d2a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.634164839803038%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] His song told a legendary tale of a heroic king defending his land—winning hearts and the top prize.

[{"selector":"#anim-cb667186-fa3f-41f8-9319-ed4ba09c6485 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-27.263157756770568%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Duc Phuc received 30 million rubles and a golden trophy for his powerful vocals and pyrotechnic-filled act.

[{"selector":"#anim-c8d62230-1f58-4c34-aecb-74e3b86b79ba [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.694506603244452%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Broadcast across Asia, Africa, South America, and parts of Europe, the contest claims reach to half the planet.

[{"selector":"#anim-747c3c2b-de3b-4d3c-ad5b-cd9f1dd269b3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.866464635539746%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Moscow was booted in 2022 after invading Ukraine—prompting Putin to revive this Soviet-era

[{"selector":"#anim-3c5d544d-11a3-4dc9-967c-27082675c842 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.006793356942868%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The Russian president appeared in a pre-recorded video, praising tradition

[{"selector":"#anim-537fb538-4e18-4a8f-82c8-088529ac57b3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.39170366114119%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Kyrgyzstan placed 2nd, Qatar 3rd. Acts came from Belarus, UAE, Cuba, South Africa, and Venezuela.

[{"selector":"#anim-258e920d-09e5-4326-989a-9739e308c46c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.75967561546803%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] U.S.-Aussie singer Vassy withdrew under alleged political pressure.

[{"selector":"#anim-debd0738-4b80-4f67-96b4-37af0f4ce874 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-29.303047278474892%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Her predecessor Brandon Howard also dropped out last minute.

[{"selector":"#anim-d7b07ace-b488-4f1f-934d-12e0a9304e65 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-26.296713773695156%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Ultrantionalist artist Shaman asked not to be judged, citing Russia’s hosting status.