Veteran American rock singer Joe Lynn Turner has been announced as a member of the international jury for Intervision 2025, a Russian state-sponsored music competition created by decree of President Vladimir Putin. The event is positioned as a direct alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, from which Russia was banned following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The announcement of the former Deep Purple and Rainbow frontman’s involvement was made on Thursday, September 18, just two days before the competition is set to take place in Moscow. In a statement, the organizers hailed the American singer’s participation, framing him as the representative for the United States on the jury.
The full statement from the organizers reads:
“Rock legend in the house! More sensational news! The United States will be represented in the international jury of “Intervision’25” by Joe Lynn Turner, the iconic vocalist whose career spans almost half a century!”
“The former frontman of Deep Purple and Rainbow, author and performer of the hit “Stone Cold,” he has worked with Alice Cooper, Cher, Michael Bolton, and many other stars of the world stage. With over 60 albums, millions of fans around the world, and a golden voice, Joe is a true legend.”
“We welcome this global rock icon to the international jury of “Intervision’25”!“
The Intervision contest was revived by a decree from Vladimir Putin in February of this year. Its creation directly followed Russia’s expulsion from the popular Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 as a consequence of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Russian foreign ministry is in charge of promoting the contest, which aims to “develop international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.”
Turner‘s participation continues a pattern of engagement with Russia in recent years. He has performed in the country several times since 2022, a decision that saw him break with the vast majority of international artists who canceled all appearances and business in Russia to protest the war.
