Vassy has been announced as the United States’ entry at Intervision — Russia’s revived answer to Eurovision.
The singer whose real name is Vasiliki Karagiorgos, was born in Darwin to Greek immigrant parents.
She obtained US citizenship during the COVID pandemic and will now fly the American flag in Moscow, stepping in at the last minute after R&B artist B. Howard withdrew from the event just days before its launch.
Intervision, which first ran in the Soviet bloc during the 1960s and 1970s, has been revived as a cultural alternative to Eurovision — from which Russia was banned in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
While organisers are branding it a “depoliticised” celebration of music, the Kremlin has taken a direct hand in its revival, with President Vladimir Putin appointing senior officials to its organising committee.
Dozens of countries are expected to compete when the contest opens on September 20.
Vassy’s career has continued to soar in recent years.
As Neos Kosmos previously reported, she was named by Rolling Stone Australia in August among the top 10 greatest Australian dance music artists of all time.
“I’m so proud to represent my roots and show that dreams, even from the most remote part of Australia, can reach the world. I know my Dad would be proud,” she then told Neos Kosmos.
She has collaborated with global superstars David Guetta and Tiësto, and in 2023 became the first woman to receive the ICON award at the Electronic Dance Music Awards.
-370x297.jpg)
