Russia announced that it will not host its own rival to Eurovision, the Intervision Song Contest, in 2014, according to the Russian news source Rusnovosti. Intervision was supposed to be the “family-friendly” alternative to Eurovision following Conchita’s victory and the supposed “end of Europe.” The shows producers decided not to host the contest owing to the “political situation” in Russia; however, they still plan to host Intervision in 2015.
The contest was originally scheduled to take place in October 2014 in Sochi. Russia held a national qualifying round in June in the Crimean city of Yalta, where Alexander Ivanov won. China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgystan, and Tajikistan had already confirmed their participation.
Despite Russia’s desire to start a “family-friendly” Eurovision and outrage over Conchita’s victory, Russia has already confirmed its participation in Eurovision next year.
What are your thoughts on Intervision and the decision to postpone the contest?