Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc wins Intervision 2025 with heroic Saint Giong performance

THE HANOI TIMES — The 11,000-seat Live Arena auditorium in Moscow erupted on the night of September 20 when the heroic music and folk melodies of the Vietnamese song Phu Dong Thien Vuong resounded through the voice of singer Duc Phuc.

The Vietnamese artist dominated the Intervision stage in the first edition of the international competition after a 30-year hiatus.

His song tells the story of Saint Giong, a mythical hero and one of Vietnam’s four immortals. The work is known for its strong cultural identity.

With its historic lyrics, heroic melodies, folk influences, and soaring notes, Phu Dong Thien Vuong allowed Phuc to showcase the full power and range of his voice.

His performance, highlighted by the image of “Saint Giong flying up,” left the audience silent before they erupted in thunderous applause.

Phuc won the contest with the highest score of 422, surpassing the runner-up by 49 points.

At the post-contest press briefing, the Vietnamese singer announced he would donate part of the prize money to charity, while the rest would fund new music projects.

Phuc said his first reaction upon hearing Vietnam named as the winner was to share the joy with his family and friends. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and appreciation for the warmth he felt in Russia.

He further impressed the audience by gifting conical hats to fellow contestants and speaking in Russian about the country’s famous ice cream. His expression was so natural that the audience immediately understood him without needing a translation and responded with loud applause.

The winner received the Intervision crystal trophy and a prize of RUB30 million (nearly US$360,000).

Intervision 2025 served as an international forum where musical traditions from Eastern Europe to Latin America converged, building cultural bridges and strengthening cooperation among nations.

The order of performances was determined through a symbolic Russian tradition. At the center of the auditorium stood a samovar (tea urn) surrounded by thermal-sensitive mugs. Each of the 23 contestants, representing 23 countries, poured hot tea into a mug. A number then appeared on the mug’s surface, revealing the contestant’s performance slot, which was displayed in real time on a large screen.

Contestants came from Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, China, Egypt, the United States, Kenya, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Brazil, Tajikistan, Qatar, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Serbia, South Africa, Vietnam, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and India.

The Live Arena, known as the most modern concert venue in Russia, features a massive stage system that can withstand 200 tons, a professional sound setup, and an advanced BOSE amplification system. Audiences enjoyed spectacular light shows that were soft and realistic rather than dazzlingly modern.

Lighting effects played an important role in many performances.

According to the contest rules, each performance lasted no longer than three minutes with no more than six people on stage. Performances were interspersed with contestant interviews about their happy moments in Moscow.

In his welcoming speech at the finale, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Culture and music have no borders.”

He stressed that the competition shows the unifying power of art and the respect for traditional values and cultural diversity that define Intervision.

The Russian president hoped the finale would inspire the contestants’ future success and affirmed that Intervision would become one of the world’s most recognized and loved cultural events.

Another surprise came when Saudi Arabia agreed to host Intervision 2026, restoring the contest to its annual tradition.