— In the TV program “Duets” on the Rossiya channel, naming your partner is off the table; the producers want the mystery to stay intact. Still, what were the expectations surrounding this aspect?
— The guess was that Natasha Koroleva might be involved.
— Are you satisfied with your performance?
– No. I rarely feel satisfied with my work. It could have been better, but as usual there was no time for rehearsals. I had to prepare, yet I didn’t. (Laughs).
— Is adjusting to a partner often challenging, and who should adapt more in these pairings?
“The more seasoned professional should adapt—the one who can adjust more easily.”
— How do you view the concept of the show? What stands out—the performances, the interaction between people who can’t see each other, the artists’ repertoire?
“What’s fascinating and unusual is the wall. You don’t know who is behind it until it rises. It’s impossible to tell. My partner’s voice sounds distorted in my headphones, and that element largely stirs up emotions.”
— Have you watched the show before? Which performance sticks in your memory and why?
— There are many performances, so finding time to watch TV is a luxury. I watched “Duets” specifically to understand what I would be participating in. As for those who enjoyed it, there’s no one who disliked it!
— This autumn, your clash on the show with Valya Carnival, who cried after you seemingly surrounded her, drew media attention. Even though you had surrounded her, the incident isn’t so sharp. Do you think younger generations are generally so sensitive to criticism?
— Young creators who are building their names on social networks have real acting talent—this shouldn’t be forgotten. Their blogs are built on quick scenes and poses. I’m not out to offend anyone anymore; many bloggers interest me. You’ve likely noticed that I didn’t insult you severely. I said, “Let’s prove you’re in the right place by joining the show’s jury.” In reality, this is a musical duel, not a war where online posts are cooler.
— What kinds of pressures did you face at the start of your career? Can you compare those pressures to what today’s young stars face?
– They said I was unpolished, toothless, dead, and with bad diction—yet I stepped onto the stage. I went out there because nothing could stop me. I never envisioned myself in any other field; art was my calling. All my early shortcomings made me distinctive and easy to recognize. It seems nothing has changed; the rules remain the same. If you’re not perfect, turn your faults into assets!
— People around twenty years younger regard you as a master, even a legend. Does that please you?
– Come on, what kind of master am I?! Still, if that’s true, it’s nice. I don’t consider myself a 1990s showbiz legend, but I hear it often and I’m surprised by the notion of being called a legend at my age.
— Which young Russian talents do you consider the most gifted?
– It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve named a few I admire creatively: Skryptonit, Klava Koka, Zivert, Mia Boyka… there are others, but age makes me forget names quickly.
— From a tough childhood to a life marked by battles with addiction, cancer treatment, and 25 surgeries, what kept you upright and not defeated?
“Only faith and a fierce will to live.”
— In a conversation with socialbites.ca last year you spoke about never lying or fabricating stories, which you said helped attract cool bands in the 90s. Could you expand on what that meant and what that attracted?
– The truth is that they listened to my songs. I performed at their parties for substantial money; they didn’t spare the cash and would always say, “If anyone gives you trouble, call us, we’ll take care of it.” It might have seemed they wanted to kill me because I looked like a clown, but the opposite happened.
– Everyone knows you’re direct and unafraid to speak your mind. Do you admire this trait in others?
– Definitely. Truth matters to me, even when it stings. I could have sent three sharp messages, but I’d rather apologize with logic and fairness.
— Have you ever regretted the harsh words you’ve directed at someone?
– Who wouldn’t regret it after a surge of emotions? It happens sometimes.
—Are there people who fear you?
– Yes. My team flinches when I raise my voice. I’m not perfect, there are days I’m down or unhappy with something, and I’m wrong at times.
— Which TV programs would you never participate in?
– I’d never join Stars in Africa, Total Blackout, The Last Hero, or Fort Boyard. They’re excellent shows that I enjoy watching, yet I’m genuinely afraid of them and would never agree to take part. And to be blunt about Dom-2, that show is not for me. It’s the worst, in my view (laughs).