In a discussion with actor Ivan Okhlobystin, he shared a claim about Alla Pugacheva and her influence on the career of the artist known as SHAMAN, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov. Okhlobystin suggested that Pugacheva played a crucial role in shaping the early trajectory of SHAMAN, implying that she made a decision that affected his participation in a notable project. The actor described how Pugacheva’s input reportedly led to changes in the lineup of the musical venture Factor A back in 2013. He recalled his genuine admiration for Dronov’s artistic work and spoke of meeting the singer during a period before he reached the height of his fame.
Okhlobystin stated that he believed a higher force had a hand in bringing SHAMAN into the public eye at the moment when the project was experiencing a creative drought. He framed the moment as a response to a period of creative emptiness, suggesting that Dronov’s emergence filled a vacancy in the scene and offered a spark at a time when it was most needed.
Separately, Pugacheva, who exited Russia after the start of the military operation in Ukraine, addressed her critics, labeling them as jealous and slanderous. In a social media message from the previous year, she commented that it was others criticizing the situation who spoke of slaves and serfs, not the people of the Russian Federation who had become temporarily caught in difficult circumstances.
During the same broadcast, the artist discussed SHAMAN again, recounting how he had first connected with the Factor A competition and how he later gained attention when Pugacheva mentioned him on social networks, which led to a surge of interest from fans and the public.
Earlier, a participant of Star Factory claimed that a promised prize had not been delivered. This statement added another layer of controversy to the discussion surrounding the competition and its rewards.