Russia announce pro-war popstar to represent them at Eurovision copycat event

Kremlin propagandist Shaman is set to sing for Russia thanks to his 'unique musical philosophy' following Putin's decree earlier this year to bring back the Eurovision rival

17:04, 19 May 2025

Pro-Kremlin Russian pop idol Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov), dressed in the colours of the national flag, gives a concert on Red Square on Flag Day in Moscow on August 22, 2024

Russian pop idol Shaman gives a concert on Red Square on Flag Day in Moscow last year (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A pro-war popstar is set to represent Russia in Putin's answer to Eurovision later this year.

Shaman said he was "very happy and grateful” to be picked by his country, where he is known for anti-Western bangers such as 'Ya Russky' ('I’m Russian') and 'Moi Boy' ('My Fight'). The organisation's bosses gushed on social media: "A powerful voice, a striking image and a unique musical philosophy.

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"That’s the kind of artist Russia is bringing to the international cultural dialogue that is Intervision.” Intervision 2025 was revived by the Kremlin after Putin signed a decree for it in February of this year.

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ussian singer SHAMAN (Yaroslav Dronov) sings a song during the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin's supporters on December 16, 2023, in Moscow, Russia.

Shaman loves singing songs in support of the Kremlin (Image: Getty Images)

Shaman (real name is Yaroslav Dronov) is reportedly one of Russia's most popular celebrities these days. Intervision claims to be a depoliticised alternative to Eurovision, reports Moscow Times.

It originally ran during the Cold War-era of 1965 and 1968 and again between 1977 and 1980. It made a brief comeback in 2008 but planned shows in 2014 and 2015 never materalised.

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Pro-Kremlin Russian pop idol Shaman (Yaroslav Dronov) performs during a concert on Red Square on Flag Day in Moscow on August 22, 2024.

He is one of the country's most famous singers (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Intervision organisers say that this year's outing will have 20 countries participating, although just Russia and Kyrgyzstan have announced their singers at the time of writing.

The latter is entering a group called Trio Nomad. Intervision 2025 will be held at the LIVE arena in Moscow on September 20 and broadcast live on Russia’s Channel One.

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Russia has been banned from Eurovision since 2022 following its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The decision to remove Russia was praised by many people, including politicians.

Singer Shaman, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, waits prior a meeting of Russian President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin with his confidants ahead of the upcoming presidential election in Moscow on January 31, 2024

The Russian singer said he is very happy to be representing his country (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Then-UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said on Twitter at the time: "Eurovision stands for freedom, unity and respect between countries – watched and enjoyed by tens of millions around the world. Glad to see Eurovision taking action and kicking Russia out."

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Eurovision 2025's Brit entry, Remember Monday, Monday brushed off their harsh result in the competition by partying until 3am over the weekend. After finishing 19th out of 26 in Saturday’s contest in Basel, Switzerland, the trio headed to the city’s party district.

Their night out included a stop at popular haunt The Pub until during early hours. A source close to the band said: “They didn’t let the result stop them having a good night.

"They stayed out until very late. Their friends were draped in UK flags and they mingled with fans. They made the most of the night.”

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