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RIYADH: �������� will host the second edition of the new song contest Intervision, whose inaugural version was concluded early Sunday in Moscow, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This was also announced by organizers of Intervision, Russia's answer to the Eurovision song contest. 

Artists from more than 20 countries — including �������� — competed in the inaugural edition in the Russian capital, which was won by Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc.

According to SPA, the Kingdom’s delegation, organized by the Saudi Music Commission, featured Saudi singer and songwriter Zeina Emad, who performed a specially commissioned piece titled “Just a Concern.” 

“I wanted to give voice to that feeling when someone finally says, ‘I am concerned about you,’ even if everyone else isn’t. This is one of the most personal songs I have ever performed,” Emad told the Intervision online site www.intervision.world

In its report, SPA said the 2026 edition in �������� "is expected to attract record participation, with innovative performances that highlight cultural heritage and creativity."

"The contest provides a global stage for artistic diversity, bringing together nations through live musical performances that highlight creativity and cultural exchange," the report added.

Revival of Soviet-era contest

Intervision 2025 has been hailed by some as a revival of the Soviet-era contest hosted in Czechoslovakia between 1965 and 1968, and Poland between 1977 and 1980. 

During Saturday’s contest in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to participants in a video address, hailing its main theme of “respecting traditional values and different cultures.”

“Today, Intervision is gathering a second wind, while remaining faithful to its traditions,” Putin added.

Participating in Intervision 2025 were contestants from Belarus, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Qatar, Russia, ��������, Serbia, South Africa, Tajikistan, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The US also took part but moments before its entrant, Australian-born Vassy, was due to take to the stage, the show’s presenters announced that she would not be able to perform because of “political pressure” from the Australian government. 

Another act, singer-songwriter Brandon Howard, had been slated to perform for the US until three days before the final show. He ultimately dropped out due to “unforeseen family circumstances.”

In a show overflowing with thundering vocals and pyrotechnics, Vietnam’s Duc Phuc’s song “Phu Dong Thien Vuong,” a heady mix of pop, rap and dubstep, saw off second-place Kyrgyzstan to take home the grand prize of 30 million rubles (about $360,000).

Other acts included Cuban singer Zulema Iglesias Salazar with a joyful rumba, Qatar’s Dana Al Meer, who sang at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony, and Serbia’s Slobodan Trkulja, who dedicated his song “Three Roses” to his three daughters.

Russia’s entrant, Shaman, a singer known for his patriotic concerts, presented a lyrical song before asking the international jury not to consider Russia’s performance.

“Russia has already won by inviting so many countries to join us,” he said. 

(With Agencies)

TORONTO: Irish rap group Kneecap was banned from entering Canada this week, with the country’s government saying the band “publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”

The group has faced criticism for political statements seeming to glorify militant groups and has previously been banned from Hungary.

Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said in a social media video: “Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism. Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech.”

Kneecap has accused critics of trying to silence the band because of its support for the Palestinian cause. Its members say they do not support Hezbollah or Hamas, and nor do they condone violence.

In an Instagram post, Kneecap said Gasparro’s comments were “wholly untrue and deeply malicious.”

“We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you,” said the band’s statement. “We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusation to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel.”

Kneecap was scheduled to perform in Toronto and Vancouver next month. The group performed at Coachella in April when members accused Israel and the US of genocide against Palestinians, prompting calls to revoke their visas and leading to several canceled shows.