Intervidenie 2026 Cancelled in Saudi Arabia
Russia's 'Eurovision' equivalent in Saudi Arabia has been cancelled — TASS. The musical competition 'Intervisione', which was intended as an analogue to 'Eurovision' and was supposed to take place this year in Saudi Arabia, will not be held.
Consensus
- The 'Intervidenie' musical contest will not be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
- The contest is expected to be rescheduled to 2027.
- The reason for the cancellation is described as a 'complex of circumstances' by a source.
- The previous 'Intervidenie' contest took place on September 20 in Moscow's Live Arena.
- Russia was represented by Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov) in the 2025 contest.
- The 2025 contest featured participation from over 20 countries.
- The winner of the 2025 contest was Vietnamese singer Dyk Fuk, who received 30 million rubles.
Points of divergence
- Organizers confirmed plans to hold 'Intervidenie' in Saudi Arabia and stated that the 'Traditions of Art' fund continues preparations, though no date or venue was announced. — novaya_eu
- Sergei Lavrov expressed hope in May that the Middle East situation would not prevent the contest from taking place. — novaya_eu
- The 2025 winner's music video 'More Than Love' depicted romantic relationships between two men. — novaya_eu
- TAASS initially reported that 4 billion people watched 'Intervidenie,' but later corrected the claim to refer only to the availability of the broadcast, not actual viewership. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (3 sources)
- Russian analogue of Eurovision in 2026 will not take place — TASS — Новая газета Европа
- Russian analogue of Eurovision will not take place for the second time — Дождь (Telegram)
- Russian analogue of Eurovision in Saudi Arabia cancelled — TASS — ЭХО / Новости