Intervision, the Russian alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, has kicked off in Moscow with a message from President Vladimir Putin, who said the event promotes cultural identity preservation.

"Respect for traditional values and the diversity of cultures is the fundamental idea of the competition and inspires participants to achieve artistic heights," he said.

The musical competition, featuring 23 countries, is being held in front of about 11,000 spectators at the Live Arena concert hall in Moscow, according to the organisers.

Shortly before the performance of Australian-born singer Vasiliki Karagiorgos, who goes by Vassy and was supposed to represent the United States, the hosts announced that she would no longer be participating.

The organisers, who said Vassy has US citizensh

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