Vladimir Putin is offering payments to ensure a strong turnout for an upcoming music event, Intervision, which is set to be a rival to the Eurovision Song Contest. The event, a revival of a Soviet-era songfest, is being organized after Russia’s exclusion from Eurovision in 2022. Participating countries include China, Iran, Belarus, and the United States, among others.
To prevent empty seats at the Live Arena in Novoivanovskoye near Moscow, Russian authorities are advertising on social media to recruit audience members and are offering payments for participation in “dance flash mobs” to promote the event. Attendees must endure 13 hours at the flash mobs to secure invitations to the main event on September 20 and dress rehearsals in Moscow.
Putin stated at an Asian security conference that the aim of the concert is to uphold traditional and universal cultural values. The contest, expected to draw interest, will feature Russia represented by patriotic signer Shaman. The event will host 20 countries, excluding Ukraine, with the United States being represented by Brandon Howard.
Intervision, previously held between 1965-1968 and 1977-1980, will have results decided by an international professional jury, unlike Eurovision’s voting system. Russia’s history in Eurovision, including their victory in 2008, was noted. Putin’s rare singing appearance in 2010 was also mentioned.