In an interview with journalist Alena Zhigalova, singer Alexei Kabanov addressed persistent rumors about a romance with artist Maria Alalykina as the Star Factory program aired. He made it clear that no intimate relationship existed between them. While he confessed to genuine affection for Alalykina, he emphasized that it was not reciprocated. He stated flatly that there was no romance and that nothing of that nature occurred at the close of Star Factory.
Zhigalova pointed out that the show often frames performers as a couple, which led to questions about the nature of their on screen chemistry. Kabanov suggested that post production edits could have been used to create the impression of a romance between the two artists. He admitted that he did not watch the program himself, so he was not sure how the audience was presented with their interactions, and he did not want to speculate beyond his own experiences.
Alexei Kabanov first appeared on Star Factory in 2002 as a member of the Roots group, a moment that marked a turning point in his career. The group went on to win the finale, earning them widespread recognition. The following year, Roots represented Russia at Eurobest in Cannes, a prestigious international music competition. They performed Queen’s We Will Rock You and finished in sixth place, a result that showcased the ensemble’s versatility and stage presence on a global stage. In 2004, the musical project Happy Birthday Vika! earned a Golden Gramophone Award for their song, further cementing Kabanov’s reputation as a dynamic performer who could thrive in varied musical settings.
Earlier remarks from Kabanov also touched on the camaraderie within the Star Factory circle. He noted that the humor and banter from veteran artists, including Mikhail Grebenshchikov, were a familiar part of the experience for participants. Those interactions contributed to a sense of shared history among contestants and mentors, shaping how new talents navigated the pressures of televised performances and public scrutiny. The overall narrative around Star Factory often centers on collaboration, competition, and the rapid evolution of a young artist’s public persona, themes that continued to influence Kabanov’s career choices and stagecraft in the years that followed.