Australian singer Vassy will take the stage representing the United States at Intervision, a competition viewed as Russia’s alternative to Eurovision, after American R&B artist B. Howard withdrew just days before the event, the organizers announced on Wednesday.
Intervision aims to breathe life into a Soviet-era music contest that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. This event comes after Russia was banned from participating in Eurovision in February 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Vassy, whose full name is Vasiliki Karagiorgos, was born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents and became a U.S. citizen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her website highlights her status as “one of the most notable personalities” in electronic dance music, featuring collaborations with renowned DJs like David Guetta and Tiësto. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first female recipient of the ICON award at the Electronic Dance Music Awards.
The exiled news outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe reported on Wednesday that references to Vassy’s support for LGBTQ+ rights had recently been removed from her Wikipedia page.
The Moscow Times has contacted the singer’s agent for further comments.
B. Howard had initially been scheduled to represent the U.S. but stepped away from the competition for what the organizers cited as “family reasons.”
Intervision is set to begin on September 20, promoting itself as a “depoliticized” celebration of music. Nevertheless, President Vladimir Putin has personally appointed senior Kremlin officials to the event’s board and organizing committee.
This year’s competition is anticipated to feature dozens of other participating countries.
