Stars with stripes: who can represent the USA at Intervision
Among the 21 countries that have confirmed their participation in the Intervision contest, one of the main intrigues is the performer from the United States. Recently, many stars have come to Russia with concerts from there, and any of them can be "the one". But professionals say that the search range is much wider, and the organizers keep the name a secret. At the Intervision press conference on August 20, the American representative was not named. Izvestia talked to music experts and put together the most logical versions.
From Shakira and Beyonce to Hans Zimmer
Exactly one month is left until the "Intervision". This means that the participants of the competition begin active preparations for the event. SHAMAN will sing the song "Straight to the heart", written by composer and producer Maxim Fadeev. According to the rules of the contest, the winner is chosen not by the audience, as in Eurovision, but by members of a multinational jury.
— For me, Intervision is not a competition. This is a congress of different cultures. And if viewers from some countries like Russia, then it will be a success. It is difficult to predict the result in advance. Especially since I haven't seen many of the contestants' performances. And I really want to watch them and get to know performers I've never even heard of before. The secret of unity with the audience lies in sincerity and complete dedication on stage," SHAMAN told Izvestia.
Honored Artist of Russia Yaroslav Dronov (Shaman)
According to the artist, active work on the number itself is now beginning. The singer does not reveal the intention of the producers, but promises the audience a spectacular show.
The participant from the USA remains a big intrigue. According to Ilya Bachurin, producer and CEO of Mosconcert, it could be anyone from Shakira and Beyonce to Hans Zimmer.
— Any of a wide range of popular artists can be suitable for this role. Our audience knows the main American artists and still treats them warmly. I think the participation of any of them would look quite logical in the creative canvas of this competition," Bachurin said in an interview with Izvestia.
In 2012, producer Ksenia Rubtsova traveled with her band "Buranovskie Babushki" to Baku, where the Eurovision Song Contest was held. Then the Russian artists lost to the singer Lorin from Sweden, taking second place. But on the other hand, the retirees have millions of fans all over the world.
"It seems to me that Cher could come to Intervision, by the way, she has Armenian roots," producer Ksenia Rubtsova told Izvestia. — Let her come and see how all the peoples live together in our country, how they love her songs. Last year, she announced that she wanted to record her last album, and after visiting Moscow, Cher would change her mind about retiring. Moreover, there are "Buranov grandmothers" in Russia who prove that there is no age for an artist. It would also be great if Donald Trump came to Intervision. We have been inviting him for a long time. The grandmothers have a song called "Tam-pam-pam," which started playing. It would have been sung together with the American president as invited guests at the competition. The grandmothers noticed that Trump moves very well. His arrival at the Intervision would have been a sensation.
US President Donald Trump
Evgeny Safronov, the founder of the InterMedia news agency, suggests that the US contractor's application for the Intervision competition program is fraught with political issues.
— The American music industry remains a leader, ahead of Japan, Great Britain and Germany by a wide margin. The participation of the US representative will add status to the competition. The name of the participant is the main intrigue, but since the chances of his victory are ephemeral, it is unlikely that this will be a famous performer. And it is unlikely that he will be bound by a contract with one of the three leading global majors — all of them are based in the United States and are subject to sanctions," Safronov noted.
Any candidate from the United States will become a meme
Oleg Sobolev, a music critic, believes that Intervision will not be a large-scale event for America, so the administration of Donald Trump will probably send a young patriotic conservative artist to the competition. For example, a country singer or a participant in the American Idol show.
— Another option is singer Carrie Underwood. She performed America the Beautiful at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony and won American Idol. Her figure fits into the concept of a large prestigious music competition. Plus, she has a tour window between mid-September and October 3rd. This gives us reason to think that Carrie may well come to Moscow on September 20," Sobolev suggested in a conversation with Izvestia.
Another logical option is the famous American rock, rap and country singer Kid Rock. According to the expert, this type is especially loved in Russia, and the figure of the singer himself corresponds to the cultural policy of the US president.
— Trump should send a very American, conservative and sympathetic artist to the president himself. It seems to me that Kid Rock is a likely option. Moreover, he has no concerts scheduled for this time. He fits well into the canvas of the Russian mass industry. The kid is very flamboyant, cocky and has his own mind.
For some time, the Network discussed that the United States could introduce Michael Jackson's daughter Paris or singer Brendan Howard, who is considered the illegitimate son of the pop king. According to Oleg Sobolev, this is unlikely.
— If she goes, she will become a meme. In any case, it doesn't matter who goes, it will still become a meme for a huge audience," the expert concluded.
Sergey Uvarov, a musicologist and member of the Russian Union of Composers, believes that Russia should not expect stars from the pop Olympus.
— On the other hand, in the last year in Russia, not the last figures of overseas rap have been performing more and more often. It is possible that some of them (especially from among the rising stars) will be able to convince to take part in this project. For an artist from the United States, this can be a kind of provocation, a challenge, a demonstration of his fearlessness, the role of enfant terrible — and at the same time an attempt to reach a completely different audience. But will it be a rapper? According to the first news about Intervision, it is clear that there will be an emphasis on national cultures and ethnic identity. And if we are looking for a representative of the United States who fits into this line, then we should invite not even a rapper (today this is too international a phenomenon), but a country singer," Uvarov said.
China and Russia are bookmakers' favorites
Performers from 21 countries will come to Intervision. This was announced by Alexander Alimov, Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Russian Foreign Ministry, at a press conference dedicated to the competition.
Alexander Alimov, Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations at the Russian Foreign Ministry
According to the document, the list includes: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, the United States, Belarus, Venezuela, Vietnam, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Qatar, China, Kenya, Colombia, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan and South Africa.
— Unfortunately, not all the countries ended up on our list, which we invited. Russia has not rejected any artist for political reasons. When selecting candidates, only the criteria of compliance with the format, concept, musical qualification and schedule of the competition were taken into account," Alexander Alimov said during a press conference.
The previously published list included Azerbaijan and the UAE. A number of media outlets reported that the countries would not attend the competition, but the Intervision press service reported that the UAE and Azerbaijan had not officially sent their final decision on participation in the competition.
SHAMAN and Chinese Wang Xi are among the bookmakers' favorites. The latter is even called Elvis Van for his resemblance to the king of rock and roll and his unique velvety timbre.
Belarus will be represented by young singer Nastya Kravchenko, and Kyrgyzstan by the NOMAD trio. They passed the national selection. The names of other participants are also known: Omar Acedo (Venezuela), Duc Phuc (Vietnam), Mustafa Saad (Egypt), Dana Al-Mir (Qatar), Farrukh Hasanov (Tajikistan), Sulema Iglesias-Salazar (Cuba), Amre (Kazakhstan), Nydia Gongora (Colombia). Denise & D-LAIN (Madagascar), Zeina Imad (Saudi Arabia), Slobodan Trkul and Balkanopolis (Serbia), Shokhrukh Ganiev (Uzbekistan).
The final of Intervision will be held in Moscow on September 20, 2025 at the Live Arena. Media representatives from more than 25 countries are expected to cover the contest. A modern media center in the Skolkovo Technopark will be open for the press from September 19 to 21.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
