Intervision 2025 Winner and pop star Duc Phuc released his very own documentary on Intervision 2025. We watched it, and here we present to you the key parts of this magnificent journey.
Duc Phuc narrates right after coming back from Moscow, holding the trophy, about the Intervision Song Contest being a prestigious musical arena with a history spanning over half a century. Originally established 50 years ago in Russia, the contest faced a 40-year hiatus before its grand revival in 2025. Initiated by a decree from President Vladimir Putin and organized by a committee led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshenko, the 2025 edition saw nearly 25 participating countries.
For Duc Phuc, the invitation received via the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and DatVietVAC was initially terrifying. "Can I really do this?" he recalled thinking. He thought about refusing initially, but after one night of intense deliberation, he said "yes," setting off a grueling preparation period that would redefine his career.
Crafting "Phu Dong Thien Vuong"
"This victory is the result of nearly 50 people who worked for 80 days, involving more than 40 meetings, with costs reaching billions of dong. This was a competition on an immense scale," Duc Phuc explained.
According to the documentary, the song choice was the heart of the journey and a crucial and "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spread Vietnamese music internationally." Early discussions with veteran musician Ho Hoai Anh initially leaned toward "Cay Truc Xinh". However, the team felt it lacked the "explosive" impact needed for a global competition. They pivoted to a more powerful icon: Saint Giong (Phu Dong Thien Vuong).
Inspired by the poem "Tre Viet Nam" (Vietnamese Bamboo) by poet Nguyen Duy, the song was composed in just two days. It aimed to represent the resilient spirit and flexibility of the Vietnamese people.
The Team
| Role | Name | Contribution |
| Composer | Ho Hoai Anh | Crafted the heroic anthem based on Saint Giong. |
| Music Producer | Duong K | Created the "battlefield-inspired" electronic arrangement. |
| Rap Verse | Phuc Du | Wrote and recorded the intense rap section in 24 hours. |
| English Lyrics | Orange | Authored the English bridge to reach a global audience. |
| Russian Lyrics | Huy Tuan | Added a final Russian line for the Moscow audience. |
| Creative Director | Ba Thanh Nguyen | Conceptualized the visual storytelling and transitions. |
| Stage Director | Duong Mai Viet Anh | Managed the complex LED visuals and stage coordination. |
Costumes and Choreography
Duc Phuc insisted on a "grand and authentic" aesthetic. This vision was brought to life through intricate costumes and high-energy choreography.
The "Burning" Costume
Designed by Kye Nguyen and the She by Hoa Nguyen team, the outfit was inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings. It took 48 hours just to hand-paint the intricate patterns onto the fabric. Phuc initially wanted the outfit to literally catch fire on stage to symbolize the "burning spirit" of Vietnam. However, Russian safety regulations forced the team to scrap the idea after successful fire tests in Vietnam. Despite this setback, the final 3D-layered outfit remained a visual masterpiece.
Martial Arts on Stage
Choreographer Manh Quyen (MQ Dance Team) integrated Vovinam, a traditional Vietnamese martial art, into the performance. Because the contest limited stage presence to six people, the team used a clever digital trick: they filmed a "multiplication" effect in a studio beforehand, making the stage look like a crowded battlefield on the giant LED screens.
The Silent Struggle in Moscow
Behind the scenes, the journey was far from smooth. The transition from Vietnam's heat to Russia's freezing weather took a heavy toll. Phuc fell ill just days before the finale. The mental pressure was equally immense; the competition required 100% live vocals while performing intense choreography.
In a raw moment revealed in the documentary, Phuc confessed to breaking down and crying in a restroom, feeling like he might collapse under the pressure. What revived him? Two words: "Hometown" and "Vietnam." The pride of his country and the dedication of his 50-person crew gave him the strength to persevere.
"I thought, 'Oh no, I'm doomed. How can I possibly sing like this?' But in that moment, in my heart, two words appeared very clearly: 'Hometown' and 'Vietnam.' Suddenly, everything revived my spirit."
Three Minutes that Changed Everything
On the night of September 20, Duc Phuc took the stage in the 20th position. From the opening piano notes to the English-Russian rap bridge, the performance was a masterclass in cultural fusion. The 11,000 spectators at the Live Arena were captivated. When the results were announced, Vietnam emerged as the champion with 422 points, nearly 50 points ahead of the runner-up.
Returning home on a 9-hour flight from Moscow, Phuc carried a 10-kilogram crystal trophy and a heart full of gratitude. He credited his success to a massive support system, including his parents, his teachers (My Tam and Ho Hoai Anh), and his dedicated fan club.
A Decade of Growth
Duc Phuc's victory at Intervision 2025 is more than a trophy; it is a testament to the "dare to think, dare to act" philosophy. It proved that Vietnamese music and professional production teams are capable of competing at the highest international levels. For Phuc, the 80 days of work and billions of VND were a small price to pay to hear the name of his country echoed in a Moscow arena.
Watch the whole documentary here:
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.
Full bio
0 Comments