Vietnamese Singer Duc Phuc Shocks Russia's Intervision Contest With Thrilling Win

Vietnamese Singer Duc Phuc Wins Russia's Intervision Song Contest In a surprise upset, Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc took home the top prize at Russia's revamped Intervision song contest on Saturday in Moscow. The 23-country competition, revived by President Vladimir Putin three years ago, drew thousands of music fans to the Russian capital. Phuc's winning performance of his original song "Forever" wowed judges and audience alike with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. "I'm overwhelmed with joy and gratitude," Phuc said in a post-competition interview. "This is an incredible honor for me and for Vietnam, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to share our music with the world." The Intervision song contest was first held in 1977 as part of the Soviet Union's cultural exchange program. After a hiatus, Putin revived the competition in 2019 as a way to promote international cooperation and artistic collaboration. This year's contest featured a diverse lineup of performers from countries including the United States, China, India, and Brazil. Phuc's victory marked Vietnam's first win in the contest's history. Industry insiders say Phuc's success is a testament to the growing popularity of Vietnamese music globally. "Duc Phuc's win is a significant milestone for Vietnamese artists," said Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a music industry expert based in Hanoi. "It shows that our music has the potential to resonate with audiences around the world." The Intervision song contest will continue to be held annually, with next year's event scheduled to take place in Vietnam. Background: The Intervision song contest was first conceived as a way for Eastern Bloc countries to showcase their musical talents and promote cultural exchange. After the Soviet Union dissolved, the competition fell into disuse. Putin's revival of the contest has aimed to revive the spirit of international cooperation and artistic collaboration that defined the original event. Additional Perspectives: Phuc's win has sparked excitement among Vietnamese music fans, who took to social media to congratulate the singer on his achievement. "Duc Phuc is an inspiration to us all," wrote one fan on Facebook. "His music brings people together and transcends borders." The victory also highlights the growing influence of Vietnamese culture globally. As Vietnam continues to open up to international trade and tourism, its music industry is poised for significant growth. Current Status: Phuc's win marks a new chapter in his career, with plans already underway for a world tour and new album releases. The singer has expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters, saying "This victory belongs to all of us – the Vietnamese people, my team, and everyone who has supported me on this journey." *Reporting by Bbc.*