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The Che Victoria Cherentsova soloist reflected on a memory from the early days of her career during a program titled “Once” on NTV, recounting a moment with the legendary Alla Pugacheva.

She described the encounter as something she had already visualized in her mind. She recalls knowing exactly what to say and how to present herself. At that time, radio stations were airing songs by the Che group under Alla Pugacheva’s influence, which helped draw attention to Cherentsova. Pugacheva herself noticed the young performer and invited her to participate in the famous “Christmas Meetings.”

According to Cherentsova, their paths briefly crossed again at the premiere of a cinema in the capital. It was there that she decided to approach Pugacheva directly and accepted her mentorship. With Pugacheva’s backing, the rising artist entered an international competition in Crimea, a journey that later led to a disagreement between them that year.

In a poignant moment, Cherentsova recalled conveying condolences on stage to the families of the Lokomotiv team who had lost their lives in the plane crash. She had discussed this plan with the chief director beforehand but did not warn Pugacheva. She went on stage, sang with sincerity, and spoke from the heart after the performance. The experience left a lasting impression, affecting her ability to move forward in her life for a considerable period.

Previously, media figure Otar Kushanashvili advised Oscar Kuchera to avoid a close association with Pugacheva, underscoring the lasting complexities and public scrutiny that can accompany high-profile collaborations in the music world. This candid reflection on mentorship and fame reveals the pressures and delicate lines that shape an artist’s early career and lasting choices, offering insight into how legendary figures influence emerging talents while navigating public expectations and personal loyalties. (source: interview excerpts from NTV’s program Once and contemporaneous media discourse)