UPDATED: Article updated on 24/12/2025
The dust has barely settled, after Vietnams big triumph on the inaugural relaunch of the Intervision Song Contest 2025. The organizers are already looking ahead. After a high-stakes return marked by countries declining invitations, political intrigue, and dramatic withdrawals the focus now shifts to Intervision 2026, with a surprising new host nation already announced.
Saudi Arabia to Host Intervision 2026
Perhaps the most significant piece of news regarding the next iteration of the contest is the official announcement that Saudi Arabia will be the host nation for Intervision 2026. This marks a pivotal moment for the competition, as it moves beyond its Russian origins to a new geographic and cultural landscape.
The decision to host in Saudi Arabia aligns with the contest's broader strategy to attract participation from non-Western countries, particularly those in the BRICS, CIS, Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian regions. It also reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its cultural footprint on the global stage, often through hosting major international events.
Date and Venue
While the host nation is confirmed, specific details regarding the exact dates and the venue within Saudi Arabia for Intervision 2026 have yet to be announced.
Although more recent developments suggest the possible venues and early 2026 announcements. Given the scale of such an event, it's expected that preparations will involve significant infrastructure and logistical planning. The host city will be Riyadh, which has modern facilities capable of accommodating such large-scale international events.
Our sources suggest a possible shift in the schedule, pushing the contest to Late October to mid-November
Our sources suggest a possible shift in the schedule, pushing the contest to Late October to mid-November
Format and Rules: Expected Continuity
While specific rule changes for 2026 haven't been detailed, it's expected that Intervision will largely maintain the format established in its 2025 relaunch. This includes:
Jury Voting System: Exclusively, jury votes will determine the winner. (Learn more about the system here)
Emphasis on Traditional Values: The contest is likely to continue promoting its stated aim of showcasing "traditional universal, spiritual and family values," as articulated by Russian officials. (more on Intervision's Traditional Values here)
Non-political Stance: Organizers will likely reiterate their commitment to keeping the contest outside politics, despite the evident geopolitical currents that shaped the 2025 event. (USA withdrawal)
Official Confirmation: More Countries, Annual Format
In the 2025 event 23 countries participated. The 2026 song contest in Saudi Arabia is said to be breaking this number. The choice of Saudi Arabia as host reinforces Intervision's intent to be a platform for countries primarily outside of the traditional Western sphere of influence. We can anticipate invitations extended to:
BRICS+ Nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other expanding BRICS members.
CIS Countries: Nations from the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Middle Eastern and North African Nations: Given the host country.
Asian, African, and Latin American Countries: Nations aligning with the contest's stated cultural and geopolitical objectives.
The 2026 contest will be a crucial test for Intervision's long-term viability and its ability to establish itself as a truly global music event, navigating complex international relations while attempting to present itself as a neutral cultural platform.
On October 7, 2025, Aleksandr Alimow, a senior official from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the expansion during a press briefing in Moscow. “Intervision is no longer a one-off revival—it is a permanent platform for cultural dialogue,” Alimow stated. “Next year, we will welcome more than 23 countries, with growing interest from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.”
The decision to make Intervision an annual event solidifies its role as a geopolitical and artistic counterweight to the Eurovision Song Contest, with a distinct emphasis on family values, cultural heritage, and creative freedom without political messaging.
Updates on Country Invitations/Participation:
As more details emerge regarding Intervision 2026, we will continue to provide updates on participant announcements, venue details, and any further developments in what promises to be another fascinating chapter for international music competitions.
As we wait for all the breaking news of the upcoming event you can still catch up by watching here the Intervision Song Contest 2025.
Written by Manios Themis
Intervision Song Contest specialist. Combines a Computer Science background with exhaustive knowledge of every edition (1965 Golden Clef, 1977–1980 Sopot era, 2025 revival, and Saudi Arabia 2026). Author and curator of the most complete independent Intervision archive online.
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