2025: Eleven Countries that were Invited, but Never Took the Stage

The inaugural Intervision Song Contest, held in Moscow on September 20, 2025, ultimately showcased 23 nations. However, the path to the grand final was a diplomatic and logistical challenge, marked by a dynamic list of countries that were invited or showed interest, only for many to ultimately decline or withdraw. This fluidity underscored the complex geopolitical backdrop shaping the new cultural competition.

Nations Invited or Interested, But Did Not Compete

Beyond the final 23, a significant number of countries were either confirmed to have received an invitation or publicly reported to have shown strong interest but ultimately did not send a representative to Moscow:

Azerbaijan: Initially confirmed as a participant in June 2025, Azerbaijan officially withdrew in August, less than a month before the event. The official reason cited was "internal difficulties, lack of time for preparation, and a busy calendar of events." However, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, publicly noted Azerbaijan's refusal, with some viewing it as a move to distance itself from Russia.

Armenia: Russian officials confirmed that "Armenian friends were well aware of the contest" but ultimately did not send a representative.

Bolivia: Reported to have been invited, Bolivia showed initial interest through its ambassador, but did not appear on the final participant list.

Hungary: As a member of the European Union, Hungary was reportedly invited and engaged in negotiations but ultimately did not participate, prioritizing Eurovision ties.

Iran: Was among the countries that showed early interest but did not proceed due to censorship and "values" mismatches.

Mexico: It was also listed as having shown interest but did not participate, probably due to cost. Missed the July deadline.

Pakistan: Early reports included Pakistan among the nations that had shown interest. Missed deadline.

Thailand: Russian media initially reported that Thailand had "approved its participation", but it was ultimately not on the final list of competitors due to budgeting.

Turkmenistan: Was mentioned as having shown interest but did not participate. Stalled the selection and missed the deadline.

North Korea: Reports indicated North Korea was invited and involved in negotiations, but did not send a response.

The United States: Invited and confirmed participation. Withdrawn at the last minute under Pressure. Read more here..

The Fluid Lineup: Reinstatements and Latecomers

Despite these withdrawals, the organizers managed to fill the ranks:

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Initially announced to have withdrawn alongside Azerbaijan, the UAE made a swift return and was reinstated to the participant list, ultimately competing in the final.

Last-Minute Additions: To broaden the contest's reach, countries like Ethiopia and Kenya from Africa, and Brazil from South America, were added in the final weeks, bringing the total number of nations competing to 23.

The Intervision Song Contest 2025 will be remembered not only for the musical performances and Vietnam's victory but for the complex diplomatic ballet of invitations, acceptances, and withdrawals that underscored the geopolitical ambitions behind its revival. Could those countries, though, make an appearance in 2026? Only time will tell...