"Russia is gearing up to revive its Soviet-era alternative to Eurovision the Intervision song contest which begins in Moscow on Saturday, with performers from 23, mostly allied, countriesto take the stage. But sequinned bodysuits, camp theatrics and Europop bangers will be in short supply. Instead, the Kremlin's version of the spectacle promises traditional values, patriotic ballads and a Russian entry led by a fiercely pro-war singer, as Moscow attempts to refashion Europe's glitter-soaked pageant in its own image."
"Russia will be represented by Shaman, a peroxide-blond singer who has become one of the most prominent cultural faces of the Kremlin's war effort. Best known for his booming patriotic songs, among them I Am Russian, which has become an unofficial anthem of Moscow's pro-war movement, Shaman (real name Yaroslav Dronov) has cultivated a fervent following at home, performing at state rallies and military events draped in the Russian flag."
Russia is reviving the Soviet-era Intervision song contest in Moscow with performers from 23, mostly allied, countries following a presidential decree. The contest is presented as an alternative after Russia's 2022 ban from Eurovision, foregrounding traditional values, patriotic ballads and state-aligned performers rather than sequinned bodysuits and Europop theatrics. Participants include BRICS members and post-Soviet allies, with hosting by Chinese entertainer Lay (Meng Lei) and Indian actor Stefy Patel. Russia's entrant is Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), a pro-war singer known for patriotic anthems performed at state rallies. An expected American performer withdrew unexpectedly.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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