The debut of Intervision 2025 marked a new chapter in international live entertainment, positioning itself as a strong reply to Eurovision. For the first time, the stage included not only Europe but also countries from the GCC and Asia, creating a broader cultural dialogue.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined the lineup, signaling the contest’s global ambition. It was also announced that Intervision 2026 will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, further underlining the region’s growing role in shaping international cultural exchange.
Vietnam’s Performance: The Breakthrough Moment
The most outstanding performance of the night came from Vietnam, which ultimately secured the winner’s title. The entry stood out for its powerful vocals, cutting-edge visual direction, and seamless integration of traditional elements with contemporary staging.
Vietnam’s victory was not only a musical success but also a symbolic one—demonstrating the contest’s commitment to elevating diverse cultures on a global platform.
Saudi Arabia’s Performance: Refined and Cultural
Another highlight was Saudi Arabia’s participation. Represented by Zena (Zeina) Emad with the song “Mojrad Ham” (Just a Concern), the Kingdom delivered a sophisticated blend of artistry and heritage.
The staging combined traditional motifs with modern presentation, showcasing elegance without excess. The performance reflected Saudi Arabia’s dual positioning as a custodian of tradition and an emerging innovator in global entertainment.
Other Performances That Defined the Night
Every participating country delivered a performance that reflected its cultural identity while embracing the production scale of a world-class competition. The variety of musical genres, stage designs, and vocal styles showcased the diversity that makes Intervision unique.
- Kyrgyzstan – Took second place with a technically precise and emotionally moving act that balanced traditional music influences with contemporary presentation.
- Qatar – Secured third place with a polished and heartfelt performance that connected strongly with both the live audience and television viewers.
- Madagascar – Delivered a vibrant entry infused with national color and dynamic staging, demonstrating the growing reach of African talent on the international stage.
- UAE – Presented a culturally inspired performance that emphasized peace and unity, highlighting the country’s commitment to creative industries and global cultural exchange.
Together, these contributions made the debut of Intervision 2025 not just a competition but a cultural showcase on a global scale.
Technical Innovation: Verified Use of AI and AR
Intervision 2025 set a new production benchmark by integrating both AI and AR into the live broadcast.
Broadcast Setup
- 36-camera system
- ~3.5-hour runtime
- 150-person crew operating the show
AI Applications
Artificial intelligence was applied in the creative graphics pipeline, particularly for the country introduction packages. The workflow combined concept sketches, visual references, neural networks (AI image generation), and 3D production. This hybrid pipeline accelerated asset creation and added a distinct design layer to the visual identity of each country’s intro.
AR Applications
For television audiences, augmented reality overlays enriched the broadcast feed. These “on-air add-ons” included visual elements layered into the live performance shots that were not visible inside the arena itself. While organizers did not disclose specific platforms or engines, the approach mirrored established virtual production practices where AR compositing augments the physical stage design.
Together, these systems positioned AI and AR not as experimental tools but as core broadcast assets, enabling higher production value without extending timelines or inflating physical set costs.
Why Intervision Matters
The inaugural edition demonstrated three critical shifts in global live entertainment:
- Cultural Inclusion – Expanding beyond Europe to highlight GCC and Asian participation.
- Technical Benchmarking – Establishing AI-driven design workflows and AR broadcast overlays as the new standard.
- Strategic Hosting – With Saudi Arabia set to host in 2026, the region will take on a leadership role in merging cultural storytelling with advanced entertainment technology.
Conclusion
Intervision 2025 closed with Vietnam as champion and a podium rounded out by Kyrgyzstan (NOMAD Trio) and Qatar (Dana Al Meer). Beyond the medal table, broadcasts and official materials confirm a field that paired heritage-driven repertoire with contemporary staging—and, on the production side, planned use of AI-assisted graphics and AR overlays for the TV audience.
With Saudi Arabia announced as host for 2026, the format now shifts toward the GCC, where large-format LED, real-time graphics pipelines, and jury-led scoring are poised to continue as baseline production choices.