“Nothing else even comes close”: Russia’s 1995 Eurovision representative and one of the contest’s greatest composers, Philipp Kirkorov criticizes Eurovision and promises a competition to surpass the veteran event. 

 and a familiar face in Eurovision, has once again sparked headlines – not with praise for the European contest, but by promoting the newly revived Intervision Song Contest. Kirkorov, who represented Russia in 1995 with “Kolybelnaya dlya vulkana” (in English: “Lullaby for the Volcano”), finishing 17th, claims Intervision will be “bigger, more impressive, and far more relevant” than Eurovision.

Russia prepares to host the song competition “Intervision” during 2025 in Saint Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia. This is a significant cultural event for Russia during a time when Russia is facing widespread Western sanctions by many countries. The countries participating in the competition are mainly former Soviet Union countries, Arab countries, and 3 additional countries from the world’s largest economies: Brazil, China, and India.

“Nothing Else Even Comes Close”: Kirkorov vs. Eurovision?

Kirkorov, who began his musical career in the 1980s, became one of Russia’s leading artists and an inseparable figure in Eurovision. In 1995, he represented Russia with the song “Kolybelnaya dlya vulkana” (in English: “Lullaby for the Volcano”) and placed 17th, but this was not the end of his journey in the competition.

On the contrary – Kirkorov became one of the most prominent producers in Russian Eurovision history, responsible for iconic songs for countries like Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus. Among the songs he composed: “Sugar” (Moldova 2021 – 13th place), “Scream” (Russia 2019 – 3rd place), “My Lucky Day” (Moldova 2018 – 10th place), “You Are the Only One” (Russia 2016 – 3rd place), “Shine” (Russia 2014 – 7th place), “Work Your Magic” (Belarus 2007 – 6th place), and “Shady Lady” (Ukraine 2008 – 2nd place). Additionally, he served as a commentator for Russia in 1997 and 2009.

Kirkorov never hid his love for Eurovision or his pride in Russia’s representation in it. Therefore, his remarks in an interview published in Russian media, where he criticized the current Eurovision, surprised many:

“A new competition is now planned – Intervision. I know how spectacular the productions our country can create are – whether it was Eurovision in 2009 or the Sochi Olympics in 2014, those were truly grand events! Nothing else even comes close.”

And we wonder: What lies behind this statement? Has Kirkorov decided to abandon Eurovision, or is this a strategic move to reshape the reality of international music competitions?

Intervision: The East Seeks an Alternative

As previously mentioned on the EuroMix website, the Intervision Song Contest is not a new invention. It was born in the 1970s as the Eastern European version of Eurovision, featuring participation from Soviet Bloc countries such as Poland, Hungary, East Germany, and, of course, the Soviet Union. The event took place in Sopot, Poland, between 1977 and 1980, but it never managed to match Eurovision’s level of influence.

Attempts to revive the competition occasionally surfaced after its collapse, including a failed effort in Sochi in 2008. Now, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its suspension from Eurovision since 2022, the Kremlin has decided it is time to recreate a musical platform that can compete with Eurovision, and even overshadow it.

According to reports, the event is planned to take place in Moscow in autumn 2025, with Russian production teams organizing a grand competition involving around 20 countries – not necessarily from Europe. Among the nations already invited to participate in Intervision are China, Brazil, India, Cuba, Kazakhstan, and even several African countries.

A Russian source said:

“This is going to be a competition on a global scale, Eurovision has long become too political, so it’s time for a new platform focused on music, showmanship, and the real talents of the artists.”

Intervision’s Vision vs. Eurovision’s Reality

Proponents of Intervision claim the competition will offer a “politics-free” alternative – contrasting with Eurovision, which they argue has become less about music and more combative in the geopolitical arena over time. Moscow believes that through a combination of glittering production, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships with countries in the Far East, the new competition can attract viewers and establish itself as a significant rival to Eurovision.

However, there is a major caveat – not everyone is optimistic about Intervision’s prospects. Experts note that Eurovision is not merely a music competition but a cultural institution with nearly 70 years of tradition. To match it – let alone compete with it – Russia will need not only to stage a lavish spectacle but also to attract Western countries willing to participate. Additionally, many view Intervision as another political maneuver by the Kremlin, designed to isolate Russia from the West and forge a new cultural front comprising Moscow’s allies.

Philipp Kirkorov’s bet: Where will he put His Money?

Returning to Kirkorov with the big question: Does he truly believe Intervision can compete with Eurovision, or is he seeking a new stage where Russia can set its own rules?

“I will always stand for music,” Kirkorov has said in the past. “If there’s a good platform for artists – I’m there.” Yet, it’s impossible to ignore that Kirkorov remains deeply connected to Eurovision’s world. Will he continue producing entries for other countries in the European competition, or will he redraw the lines and focus exclusively on Intervision?

Will Intervision Truly Threaten Eurovision?

Kirkorov places a significant question mark over Eurovision’s future – at least in Russia’s eyes. Intervision, set to relaunch this fall, promises to be a glittering platform with lavish production, but doubts remain about its ability to generate influence beyond Russia’s borders.

Could this mark the start of a new global competition? Or just another doomed attempt that fades before it begins? One thing is certain: If anyone knows how to make music resonate far and wide, it’s Philipp Kirkorov. For now, we can only wait and see.

Russia at Eurovision

“Russian Woman” is the name of the song performed by Manizha in Eurovision 2021. Russia reached ninth place in the Grand Final with 204 points. Russia has competed in the Eurovision Song Contest 24 times since joining the competition in 1994. To date, Russia has won only once, in 2008, with the song “Believe” performed by singer Dima Bilan. Russia has reached second place four times and third place four times. So far, Russia has failed only once to qualify for the competition’s final. In 2022, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided to suspend Russia’s membership until further notice due to its invasion of Ukraine.

Sources: Kyivindependent, Theguardian, YouTube, eurovoix, Facebook.

Eurovision 2021: This was Russia’s 24th participation in Eurovision. Russia joined the competition in 1994 and won it once, in Eurovision 2008 with the song “Believe” performed by singer Dima Bilan.