Intervision 2026

Intervision 2026
إنترفيجن 2026
Интервидение 2026
Date and venue
VenueTBA, Saudi Arabia
Organisation
Organiser
Participants
(provisional; as of October 2026)
Intend on participating4
  •      Countries which have provisionally confirmed their participation in 2026     Countries which participated in 2025, but whose participation status in 2026 is unknown
2025 ← Intervision Song Contest

Intervision 2026 (Arabic: إنترفيجن 2026; Russian: Интервидение 2026) was a cancelled international song competition scheduled to take place in 2026. It is set to be the next edition of the revival of the Intervision Song Contest following its relaunch in 2025, despite having a different organiser, format and set of participating countries compared to the original run. The contest was supposed to take place in Saudi Arabia.

On 18 February 2026, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov confirmed in an interview with Al Arabiya, that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman following an exchange of messages with Russian President Vladimir Putin came to an agreement that the next competition in 2026 will be held in Saudi Arabia, and named the responsible personnel.

On 4 August 2026, the Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported, citing a source in Riyadh, that the hosting of Intervision 2026 was uncertain and that there was no guarantee the event would definitely go ahead. The following day, the Intervision press office denied these reports, confirming that the contest would definitely take place in 2026, although the dates and host city had not yet been determined.

On 7 August, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing a source within the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, reported that the event could potentially take place in December 2026, January or February 2027.

In October 2026, due to various situations affecting Saudi Arabia, this Intervision edition was cancelled as a result.

Preparations

In June 2025, Mikhail Shvydkoy, a member of the organising committee of Intervision 2025, stated that a second edition of the contest could be hosted the following year in China, adding that "holding the competition in different countries is part of the very concept of Intervision".

On 20 September 2025, during the final of Intervision 2025, it was announced that the 2026 edition would be hosted in Saudi Arabia, after Saudi authorities expressed their readiness to organise the event as part of their Saudi Vision 2030 strategic framework.

On 19 March 2026, Shvydkoy stated that Saudi officials confirmed to him that the event would not be cancelled despite the Iran war. On 3 April, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia had suspended contacts with Saudi Arabia regarding the contest, but they hope that once the situation in the Persian Gulf stabilizes, these contacts would resume and preparations for this year's edition would continue.

Konstantin Ernst, CEO of Channel One Russia, confirmed in an interview with RIA Novosti that the broadcaster is ready to help Saudi Arabia in hosting the contest in 2026, if necessary.

On 3 June 2026, Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aleksandr Pankin [ru] confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently in the process of working on key organizational issues and determining the specific dates for the event, which will be announced soon.

On 13 June 2026, the Syrian online magazine Al Mjhar reported, citing sources close to the organisers of Intervision 2026, that the introduction of a global televoting system was under consideration. According to the report, viewers worldwide would be able to cast their votes through digital platforms. The organisers were also reportedly considering the introduction of an "Intervision Week", a multi-day programme of events accompanying the contest. The proposed format would include special concerts, social gatherings, music conferences and festivals, expanding the event beyond a single final show. The organisers have not yet commented publicly on these reports.

Provisional list of participants

Other countries

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexey Overchuk invited all APEC countries whose representatives were present at APEC South Korea 2025 to participate in Intervision 2026. These include:

  •  Australia
  •  Brunei
  •  Canada
  •  Chile
  •  China
  •  Hong Kong
  •  Indonesia
  •  Japan
  •  Malaysia
  •  Mexico
  •  New Zealand
  •  Papua New Guinea
  •  Peru
  •  Philippines
  •  Singapore
  •  South Korea
  •  Taiwan
  •  United States

Broadcasts

Known details on the broadcasts in each country, including the specific broadcasting stations and commentators, are shown in the tables below.

Confirmed broadcasters and commentators in participating countries
Country Broadcaster Channel(s) Commentator(s) Ref.
 Russia C1R TBA

Notes

  1. ↑ The Intervision Song Contest was organised by the International Radio and Television Organisation (OIRT), which was effectively dissolved with the fall of communism and incorporated into the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 1993, between 1965 and 1980. The 2025 revival was organised, among others, by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in direct response to the exclusion of Russia from the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, with no acknowledgement or involvement from the EBU or its member broadcasters, although several participating broadcasters were original members of the OIRT.

References

  1. ↑ "ثقافي / المملكة تفوز باستضافة النسخة الثانية من مسابقة "إنترفيجن" العالمية للموسيقى في 2026" [Culture / Saudi Arabia wins bid to host second edition of "Intervision" International music contest in 2026]. Saudi Press Agency (in Arabic). 20 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  2. ↑ "السعودية تحتضن «إنترفيجن 2» العالمية للموسيقى في 2026" [Saudi Arabia to host the "second Intervision" international music festival in 2026]. Al Jazirah (in Arabic). 22 September 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025. وأكدت هيئة الموسيقى أن استضافة المملكة لهذا الحدث العالمي تأتي في إطار توجهات رؤية المملكة 2030، التي تهدف إلى دعم الصناعات الإبداعية وتعزيز مكانة المملكة كمركز عالمي للفنون والثقافة. [The Music Commission emphasised that the Kingdom's hosting of this global event is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to support creative industries and enhance the Kingdom's position as a global centre for arts and culture.]
  3. ↑ "Россия готова помочь в организации "Интервидения" в Саудовской Аравии" [Russia is ready to help organise "Intervision" in Saudi Arabia]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). 27 October 2025. Retrieved 27 October 2025. Собственно говоря, так и планируется, что фонд "Традиции искусства" окажет содействие в организации конкурса в Саудовской Аравии. [In fact, it is planned that the "Traditions of Art" foundation will assist in hosting the contest in Saudi Arabia.]
  4. ↑ Fursov, Evgeny (27 October 2025). "Россия намерена помочь Саудовской Аравии в организации конкурса «Интервидение»" [Russia intends to help Saudi Arabia in organising the "Intervision" contest]. Hibiny.ru [ru] (in Russian). Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  5. ↑ "السعودية تفوز باستضافة "إنترفيجن 2026".. منصة عالمية تحتفي بالموسيقى والتنوع الثقافي" [Saudi Arabia wins bid to host "Intervision 2026", a global platform celebrating music and cultural diversity]. Sabq Online Newspaper [ar] (in Arabic). 20 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  6. ↑ "السعودية تستضيف نسخة 2026 من مسابقة إنترفيجن الروسية" [Saudi Arabia to host 2026 edition of Russia's Intervision contest]. Azzaman (in Arabic). 21 September 2025. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
  7. ↑ https://www.aussievision.net/post/russia-s-intervision-song-contest-will-not-take-place-in-2026
  8. ↑ Davies, Katie Marie (20 September 2025). "Power, politics and performance: Russia's revamped Intervision song contest names a winner". The Independent. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  9. ↑ Samoylova, Yana (3 June 2026). "Раскрыто место проведения «Интервидения-2026»" [The location of "Intervision 2026" has been announced]. Mail.ru [ru] (in Russian). VK. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
  10. ↑ ""Интервидение" в 2026 году пройдет в Саудовской Аравии" ["Intervision" in 2026 will be held in Saudi Arabia]. Interfax (in Russian). 20 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  11. ↑ "Интервью Министра иностранных дел Российской Федерации С.В.Лаврова телеканалу «Аль-Арабия», Москва, 18 февраля 2026 года" [Interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Al Arabiya TV, Moscow, February 18, 2026]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (in Russian). 18 February 2026. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  12. ↑ "Лавров: Саудовская Аравия определилась с организаторами "Интервидения"" [Lavrov: Saudi Arabia has decided on the organizers of "Intervision"]. TASS (in Russian). 18 February 2026. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  13. ↑ "Саудовская Аравия приступила к подготовке «Интервидения-2026»" [Saudi Arabia has begun preparations for "Intervision 2026"]. Muz-TV (in Russian). 20 February 2026. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  14. ↑ "ТАСС: проведение "Интервидения" в Саудовской Аравии в 2026 году не гарантировано" [TASS: It is not certain that "Intervision" will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026] (in Russian). TASS. 4 August 2026.
  15. ↑ "Проведение музыкального конкурса "Интервидение" в Саудовской Аравии в 2026 году не гарантировано – ТАСС" [It is not certain that the "Intervision" music contest will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026 – TASS]. Belarusian Telegraph Agency (in Russian). Government of Belarus. 5 August 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  16. ↑ ""Интервидение" пройдет в Саудовской Аравии" ["Intervision" will be held in Saudi Arabia] (in Russian). TASS. 5 August 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "Организаторы подтвердили проведение следующего «Интервидения» в Саудовской Аравии" [The organisers have confirmed that the next "Intervision" will be held in Saudi Arabia]. Muz-TV (in Russian). National Media Group. 6 August 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  18. ↑ "Источник: дату "Интервидения" в Саудовской Аравии пока не определили" [Source: The date for "Intervision" in Saudi Arabia has not yet been set]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). Rossiya Segodnya. 7 August 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "خبر : السعودية تتأخر عن تحديد موعد استضافة مسابقة إنترفيجن 2026" [Novosti: Saudi Arabia delays setting a date to host the 2026 Intervision competition]. Sama News Agency [ar] (in Arabic). 8 August 2026. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
  20. ↑ https://www.aussievision.net/post/russia-s-intervision-song-contest-will-not-take-place-in-2026#google_vignette
  21. ↑ "Швыдкой допустил проведение конкурса "Интервидение" в Китае" [Shvydkoy allowed the "Intervision" contest to be held in China] (in Russian). RIA Novosti. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  22. ↑ Tusing, David (21 September 2025). "What is Intervision, Russia's Eurovision rival that Saudi Arabia will host in 2026?". The National. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
  23. ↑ "Saudi Arabia to host second edition of new song contest Intervision in 2026". Arab News. 21 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  24. ↑ Bin Abdullah, Abdulrahman (21 September 2025). "المملكة تفوز باستضافة النسخة الثانية من مسابقة «إنترفيجن» العالمية للموسيقى في 2026" [The Kingdom wins the bid to host the second edition of the "Intervision" International music contest in 2026]. Okaz (in Arabic). Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  25. ↑ Mamaeva, Marfa (21 September 2025). "Названа страна проведения следующего «Интервидения»" [The country that will host the next Intervision has been announced] (in Russian). Gazeta.ru. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  26. ↑ "Швыдкой: Саудовская Аравия не видит причин для отмены проведения "Интервидения"" [Saudi Arabia sees no reason to cancel "Intervision"]. TASS (in Russian). 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  27. ↑ Korzun, Nadezhda (19 March 2026). "Стало известно, будут ли отменять «Интервидение» в Саудовской Аравии" [It has been revealed whether "Intervision" in Saudi Arabia will be canceled]. Gazeta.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  28. 1 2 "Лавров: РФ рассчитывает на возобновление контактов с Саудовской Аравией по "Интервидению"" [Lavrov: Russia hopes to resume contacts with Saudi Arabia regarding "Intervision"]. TASS (in Russian). 3 April 2026. Retrieved 5 April 2026. Глава МИД России надеется, что египетская сторона также "будет представлена на этом мероприятии" [The Russian Foreign Minister hopes that the Egyptian side will also "be represented at this event"]
  29. 1 2 "Лавров раскрыл одного из возможных участников «Интервидения»" [Lavrov revealed one of the potential participants in "Intervision"]. News.ru [ru] (in Russian). 3 April 2026. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
  30. ↑ "Первый канал готов помочь Саудовской Аравии с организацией "Интервидения"" [Channel One is ready to help Saudi Arabia with the hosting of "Intervision"]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). 18 October 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
  31. ↑ Malinina, Aleksandra (18 October 2025). "Первый канал окажет помощь Саудовской Аравии в организации "Интервидения"" [Channel One will help Saudi Arabia host Intervision]. Ridus (in Russian). Retrieved 18 October 2025.
  32. ↑ "القناة الأولى الروسية مستعدة لمساعدة السعودية في تنظيم مسابقة "إنترفيجن"" [Russia's Channel One is ready to help Saudi Arabia organise the "Intervision" contest]. Klyoum (in Arabic). 18 October 2025. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
  33. ↑ Nikonov, Nikita (3 June 2026). "Стало известно место проведения Интервидения в 2026 году" [The location of Intervision 2026 has been announced]. Life.ru (in Russian). News Media Holding [ru]. Retrieved 3 June 2026. Сейчас организационные моменты отрабатываются. Конкретные даты проведения пока уточняются коллегами в королевстве. [The organizational details are currently being worked out. Our colleagues in the kingdom are still finalizing the specific dates.]
  34. ↑ "«Интервидение-2026» пройдет в Саудовской Аравии" ["Intervision 2026" will be held in Saudi Arabia]. Kultura (in Russian). 3 June 2026. Retrieved 3 June 2026. Отвечая на вопрос о сроках, он указал, что «этим занимаются коллеги в Саудовской Аравии, они переняли эстафету». В настоящее время обсуждаются организационные вопросы, уточнил замминистра. [When asked about the timeline, he noted that "our colleagues in Saudi Arabia are handling this; they have taken over". The deputy minister added that organizational matters are currently being discussed.]
  35. ↑ Zberenovskaya, Anastasiya (3 June 2026). "Международный музыкальный конкурс «Интервидение» в 2026 году пройдет в Саудовской Аравии" [The "Intervision" International Music Contest will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026]. Belarus Today (in Russian). Belarus. Retrieved 4 June 2026. Отвечая на вопрос о сроках, Панкин отметил, что «этим занимаются коллеги в Саудовской Аравии, они переняли эстафету». [When asked about the timeframe, Pankin noted that "our colleagues in Saudi Arabia are handling this; they’ve taken over."]
  36. ↑ "من موسكو إلى الرياض.. كيف تحولت "إنترفيجن" إلى سلاح روسي سعودي لكسر احتكار "يوروفيجن"؟" [From Moscow to Riyadh… How did "Intervision" become a Russian-Saudi weapon to break the "Eurovision" monopoly?]. Al Mjhar (in Arabic). 13 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026. مصادر مقربة من المنظمين كشفت أن روسيا والسعودية تدرسان حالياً إقامة "أسبوع إنترفيجن" يشمل حفلات وعروضاً جانبية ومؤتمرات موسيقية ومهرجانات ضخمة تستمر لعدة أيام، وليس مجرد ليلة نهائي واحدة. كما يتم دراسة فتح باب التصويت للجمهور العالمي عبر منصات رقمية ضخمة، مما قد يحقق نسب مشاهدة غير مسبوقة قد تتجاوز مليار مشاهد. [Sources close to the organisers have revealed that Russia and Saudi Arabia are currently considering staging an "Intervision Week" comprising concerts, side events, music conferences and massive festivals lasting several days, rather than just a single final night. They are also looking into opening up voting to a global audience via major digital platforms, which could result in unprecedented viewing figures potentially exceeding one billion viewers.]
  37. ↑ ""Я горд нашей командой, я горд Настей". Иван Эйсмонт о выступлении белоруски на "Интервидении"" ["I am proud of our team, I am proud of Nastya." Ivan Eismont on the Belarusian singer's performance at "Intervision"]. Belarusian Telegraph Agency (in Russian). Government of Belarus. 21 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025. Он также добавил, что Беларусь точно продолжит участвовать в "Интервидении". "И мне кажется, мы идем в нужном направлении. Мы не хотим ни под кого подстраиваться. Мы будем продвигать свою культуру, белорусскую", сказал Иван Эйсмонт. [He also added that Belarus will definitely continue to participate in Intervision. "I think we are moving in the right direction. We don't want to adapt to anyone. We will promote our own culture, Belarusian culture," said Ivan Eismont.]
  38. ↑ "Посол в РФ: Бразилия продолжит участие в следующих конкурсах "Интервидение"" [Ambassador in Russian Federation: Brazil will continue to participate in future Intervision contests]. TASS (in Russian). 24 December 2025. Retrieved 24 December 2025. Бразилия была рада принять участие в международном музыкальном конкурсе "Интервидение" и планирует продолжить участвовать в нем в будущем. Об этом заявил в интервью ТАСС посол Бразилии в Москве Сержио Родригес дос Сантос. [Brazil was delighted to take part in the Intervision international music contest and plans to continue participating in it in the future. This was stated in an interview with TASS by Brazil's ambassador to Moscow, Sérgio Rodrigues dos Santos.]
  39. ↑ "Shaman не станет участвовать второй раз в "Интервидении", считает Швыдкой" [Shaman will not participate in "Intervision" for the second time, according to Shvydkoy]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). 25 October 2025. Retrieved 25 October 2025. И в России много талантливых музыкантов… Их много, я уверен, что мы выберем достойного. [There are many talented musicians in Russia... There are many of them, and I am sure we will choose a worthy one.]
  40. ↑ ""Интервидение" в 2026 году пройдет в Саудовской Аравии" ["Intervision" will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026]. TASS (in Russian). 3 June 2026. Панкин выразил надежду, что Россия, конечно, примет участие в конкурсе. [Pankin expressed his confidence that Russia would, of course, take part in the contest.]
  41. ↑ "Intervision 2026 Song Contest: Saudi Arabia Steps Onto the Global Music Stage". Soul of Saudi. 14 October 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025. Will Saudi artists participate in Intervision 2026? Yes. The contest will feature both international and local artists, giving Saudi performers a global platform to showcase their music.
  42. ↑ "Встреча с Министром культуры Таиланда С. Тхайсет" [Meeting with Thai Minister of Culture S. Thaiset]. Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Thailand (in Russian). 25 November 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025. Посол пригласил таиландских партнёров принять участие в международных творческих инициативах будущего года — музыкальном конкурсе «Интервидение» [...] [The ambassador invited Thai partners to participate in international creative initiatives next year – the Intervision music contest [...]]
  43. ↑ "Томихин провёл встречу с Министром культуры Таиланда" [Tomikhin held a meeting with the Minister of Culture of Thailand]. Hua Hin News (in Russian). 6 December 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025. Посол пригласил таиландских партнёров принять участие в международных творческих инициативах будущего года — музыкальном конкурсе «Интервидение» [...] [The ambassador invited Thai partners to participate in international creative initiatives next year – the Intervision music contest [...]]
  44. ↑ "Intervision winner Duc Phuc aims to compete again in 2026". TASS (in Russian). 25 September 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  45. ↑ Linh, Hà (26 September 2025). "Đức Phúc mong muốn trở lại cuộc thi âm nhạc Intervision 2026" [Đức Phúc hopes to return to the Intervision music contest in 2026]. Sức khỏe và Đời sống [vi] (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  46. ↑ Linh, Hà (25 September 2025). "Đức Phúc mong muốn trở lại cuộc thi âm nhạc Intervision 2026" [Đức Phúc hopes to return to the Intervision music contest in 2026]. Báo Tin tức (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  47. ↑ "Russia ready to cooperate with APEC in creative, cultural industries". TASS. 1 November 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025. He emphasized that Russia is open to joint projects with APEC economies and recalled that a significant milestone was the Intervision Song Contest, which took place in Moscow in 2025 and was won by a representative of the Asia-Pacific region. "We invite all countries to participate in the event in 2026, which is planned to be held in Saudi Arabia," Overchuk added.
  48. ↑ "فيتنام تحصد لقب "إنترفيجن".. والسعودية تستضيف نسخة 2026" [Vietnam wins "Intervision" title... Saudi Arabia to host 2026 edition]. موقع 24 (in Arabic). 24 للدراسات الإعلامية. 21 September 2025. Retrieved 23 September 2025. وأشارت اللجنة المشرفة على المسابقة أن النسخة المقبلة ستستضيفها المملكة العربية السعودية، وستكون متاحة للبث المباشر عبر التلفزيون الروسي ومنصات الإنترنت، لتصل إلى جمهور دولي واسع يقدر بالمليارات. [The committee overseeing the contest indicated that the next edition will be hosted by Saudi Arabia and will be available for live broadcast on Russian television and online platforms, reaching a wide international audience estimated at billions.]