An Australian-born singer representing the United States at the Russian-hosted Intervision song contest has dropped out at the last minute after what organisers claimed was political pressure from the Australian government.
Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known professionally as "Vassy", was slated to represent the US on Saturday in the Soviet-era song contest in Moscow, which was revived this year at the decree of President Vladimir Putin after Russia was banned from Eurovision due to the war in Ukraine.
But the Australian singer and producer, who was set to perform in the fifth slot, dropped out after coming under what Russian organisers said was "unprecedented political pressure from the government of Australia".
The singer told the ABC in a statement that she had left Moscow and was "still in shock", adding she was reluctant to give further details until she spoke with the Australian government.
She says while it's heartbreaking for the fans and the music that she had to withdraw, she wants to ensure she’s doing the right thing and following proper guidance.
The Australian government has been approached for comment.
Born in Darwin to Greek immigrant parents, Vassy moved to the US in the 2010s, becoming the first Australian artist to hit number one on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart with the track “We Are Young”.
She returned to Australia in 2022.
In 2023, Vassy became the first woman to win an Icon trophy at the Electronic Dance Music Awards in Miami.
This year's Intervision song contest, which featured acts aimed at promoting "traditional family values", attracted singers from 23 countries, accounting for more than half the world's population, including China, India and Brazil.
Vietnam's Duc Phuc was crowned the winner in the early hours of this morning by a jury of representatives from each participating country, scoring a cash prize of 30 million roubles or $546,000 AUD.
[Source: abc.net.au]
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