Showman Stas Baretsky announced plans to stage the Rusvision contest, positioning it as a bold alternative to the Eurovision international music competition. He criticized what he called the quackery surrounding Eurovision and what he describes as anti-Russian dances, explaining that these concerns motivated him to create a separate event. Baretsky stated that the Rusvision contest would be held with the support of Fifth Channel and would take place this summer, signaling a deliberate pivot away from the established European festival scene.
In his remarks, Baretsky outlined a vision where the event would not be limited to Russian performers alone. He said that artists from friendly countries would also take the stage, emphasizing a spirit of regional collaboration. A distinctive element of the Rusvision festival would be an additional stage dedicated to emerging, lesser-known musicians, alongside the main lineup. This approach aims to give new talent a platform and to broaden the event beyond a single dominant act or national tradition.
Previously, Baretsky gave an interview in which he claimed to have purchased a castle in the village of Gryaz, reportedly connected to prominent Russian personalities. He described the castle as a venue for the new competition. However, producer Sergei Dvortsov quickly denounced these statements, stating that there was no truth to the claim about ownership of the property. The exchange highlighted the controversy surrounding the project and underscored the tension between promotional declarations and verifiable details as the event plans moved forward.