Australian Artist Vassy Departs Russian-Hosted Intervision Song Contest

Australian-born singer and electronic music star Vasiliki Karagiorgos – best known as Vassy – has departed the Russian-hosted Intervision Song Contest “at the last minute.”

Organisers of the event have claimed that Vassy came under pressure from the Australian government, which led to her sudden cancellation, while a spokesperson for the federal government claimed it had “no engagement” with the event.

Vassy was set to represent the US at the Intervision Song Contest on Saturday (20 September), which was revived by Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia was banned from Eurovision.

Intervision organisers slammed the Australian government for Vassy’s departure from the event, alleging that it placed “unprecedented political pressure” on the singer and producer.

In a statement, Vassy told the ABC that she was in “shock” and couldn’t reveal more details until she spoke to the Australian government.

She added, “While it’s heartbreaking for the fans and the music that I had to withdraw, I want to ensure I’m doing the right thing and following proper guidance.”

The Music has reached out to Vassy for further comment on the matter.

On her Instagram Stories, Vassy thanked her fans for their support, while asking for patience as she processes the events of recent days. She added that soon, she’ll be ready “to share my thoughts with you.”

“I’m deeply moved by the outpouring of love and the beautiful messages you’ve shared with me. Your words mean more than I can express, and I carry them close to my heart,” Vassy wrote.

She continued, “I ask for your patience as I take a little time to process it all—soon, I’ll be ready to share my thoughts with you.”

Last year, Vassy was honoured with the Billions List Award from APRA AMCOS. The achievement arrived after she hit the milestone of two billion streams of her single Bad, starring David Guetta and Showtek (released in 2014).

In 2023, Vassy opened for Barbie Girl icons Aqua in the US. The touring slot followed her win of the Future of Dance Award at the Miami Electronic Dance Music Awards, where she was also the first female artist to be crowned with the Icon Award.