This morning, a press conference with Russia’s 2025 Intervision commentator, Yana Churikova, was held. Yana has also been the Russian commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2018.

Eliana, our Intervision reporter for ESC Covers was in attendence, and has provided an English translation of her question and reponse from Yana.

Eliana: Are there the rules about 6 participants maximum on the stage? And what about live backing vocals?

Yana: Yes, 6 participants maximum. So, the band from South Africa consists of 6 artists. Additionally, two musical instruments may be played live on stage. The vocals and backing vocals are only performed live, and that’s not even up for discussion. The first rehearsal on the big stage at Live Arena was all about sound and testing the live vocals.”

Eliana: “Will there be only one winner? Or will the 2nd and 3rd places also be awarded?”

Yana: There will be only one winner who will receive the grand prize. But still, everyone will pay attention to the top of the leaderboard.”

If you are able to understand Russian, the full clip is available to watch as a short on our YouTube channel. We’ll be providing more content from the Intervision Song Contest ahead of the live show tomorrow evening!