A music competition free from politics was what Russia's president Vladimir Putin promised when he announced in the spring that the old Eurovision Song Contest challenger Intervision would be revived. It did not quite turn out that way.
The US participant, Australia-born Vassy, withdrew from the competition at the last minute. From the stage, it was explained that Vassy had withdrawn due to "political pressure" from Australia.
Vassy herself was a replacement for Brandon Howard, who also jumped out of the competition a few days earlier. Vassy says she cannot give any comments on the decision at present, writes the news agency AP.
Russia had invited several political and economic allies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Among others, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are participating.
According to information that SVT has obtained, the audience in Moscow was paid to attend. To be allowed to attend, the individuals have also had to fill out a questionnaire with age and image.
Vietnamese Duc Phuc won the competition and the prize money of 30 million rubles, equivalent to approximately 3.4 million kronor.
