The draw of "Intervision" participants took place at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On 12 September, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the official draw ceremony of the finalists of the International Music Contest "Intervision". During the spectacular ceremony, the order of performances of artists from different countries of the world in the Final of the Contest was determined.

The event began with a welcoming meeting of the heads of delegations and a guided tour of the National Centre RUSSIA, where guests were able to learn about the life and achievements of all the regions of the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, addressed the delegations in a video message. In particular, he said: "'Intervision' is a kind of music expo, a universal platform for dialogue between civilizations based on the mutual enrichment of national histories and traditions. One of the objectives of the Contest is to showcase the diversity of the world through music as a universal international language that does not require translation. This year, 23 countries are taking part in 'Intervision', and I am glad that we are witnessing such a unity of cultures at the National Centre RUSSIA. The 'Intervision' Contest is not just a music competition but an important event of international significance, where creativity and art become the most important instruments of diplomacy, of preserving cultural sovereignty, and of strengthening mutual understanding between peoples. I wish all participants inspiration, creative success, and new bright achievements at this celebration of music and friendship. May your melodies sound in unison, strengthening ties and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation." 

All those present were also personally greeted by Sergei Novikov, Head of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia for Social Projects. The Kremlin representative noted that "more than 3 billion people live in the countries taking part in 'Intervision.'" He wished each participant to draw their lucky number and promised that there would be no losers in the Contest.

The participants of the ceremony were also treated to performances by People’s Artist of Russia Nadezhda Babkina, the "Intervision" Ambassadors — the band AY YOLA, and singer ST together with the folk group OYME. 

The culmination was the draw itself, conducted in a unique format. The "Tsar Samovar", symbolic of Russian culture, stood In the centre of the hall surrounded by thermosensitive cups. Each contestant in turn approached the samovar, chose a cup and poured hot tea into it. As the cup warmed, numbers appeared, determining the order of the artist’s performance in the Final of "Intervision". The results were displayed in real time in a summary table on the screen. 

Following the draw, the order of performances of participants from 23 countries was distributed as follows:

1 – Cuba, 2 – Kyrgyzstan, 3 – China, 4 – Egypt, 5 – the United States, 6 – Kenya, 7 – Kazakhstan, 8 – the United Arab Emirates, 9 – Russia, 10 – Brazil, 11 – Tajikistan, 12 – Qatar, 13 – Madagascar, 14 – Saudi Arabia, 15 – Colombia, 16 – Ethiopia, 17 – Venezuela, 18 – Serbia, 19 – South Africa, 20 – Vietnam, 21 – Belarus, 22 – Uzbekistan, 23 – India. 

The draw ceremony also became the final stage of a large-scale international initiative — the "Intervision" flag relay. The symbol of the International Music Contest made a tour across the countries of Central Asia, visiting Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. In each capital it was welcomed by the national contestants, who left their signatures and parting wishes on the cloth. The "Intervision" flag was solemnly handed over to all the contestants. Its delivery along the route was undertaken by the international expedition team "Journey to the Heart of Eurasia", which included entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists and bloggers.

The Final of "Intervision" will take place on 20 September 2025 in Moscow at the Live Arena.