Kiriyenko announced the refusal of some countries to allow their artists to perform at Intervision

Performers from a number of countries wanted to participate in the Intervidenie international music competition, but the country's leaders opposed it. This was announced on September 16 by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the competition, during a press conference dedicated to preparations for Intervision.

Kiriyenko recalled that during the period of the existence of the Soviet "Intervision" from 1960 to 1993, a total of 30 countries participated in it. The first deputy head of the presidential administration noted that the organizers of the modern competition provided an opportunity for everyone who wanted to participate.

"What could have held back those who didn't participate the first time? To be honest, some people have political restrictions, of course...> we just know that there were a number of performers who really wanted to come, but, in general, their desire did not really coincide with the opinion of the leadership of the respective countries. Let it be on their conscience. Music has no boundaries anyway," he said.

Contest of the Year: where and when will Intervision 2025 take place, who will participate

Performers from more than 20 countries will compete.

Earlier in the day, during a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Intervision could become an annual competition. He stressed that some countries have already shown interest in the competition and expressed their willingness to host it in the coming years.

The final of Intervision will be held in Moscow on September 20 at the Live Arena. Honored Artist of Russia SHAMAN (real name Yaroslav Dronov) will perform from the Russian Federation with the musical composition "Straight to the Heart" by Maxim Fadeev. Alexander Ovechkin, a Russian hockey player and captain of the Washington Capitals NHL club, has been announced as the cultural ambassador of Intervision 2025.

The final of the competition will be hosted by performer Alexey Vorobyov and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Aida Garifullina. Yana Churikova, a journalist and TV presenter, and Yuri Aksyuta, the chief producer of Channel One's music and entertainment programs, will comment on Intervision for Russian viewers.

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