In the latest installment of the mystery show Mask, actor, singer, and blogger Stas Yarushin stepped forward, shedding the Vodyanoy disguise to reveal his true identity. The moment sent a ripple through the studio as the audience watched a familiar face emerge from under the thorny, water-dwelling character’s ensemble.
During the episode, three contestants faced elimination—Cactus, Harlequin, and Vodyanoy. The panel of judges speculated that Ida Galich might be concealed under the plant costume, though the studio audience chose to protect this participant from elimination, opting to save her from the nomination process. When the mask finally came off, the judges were surprised to discover Yarushin in the place of Vodyanoy, a twist that rekindled debates about who could be behind the water-creature’s mask. The judges had previously debated whether Vodyanoy might be a well-known comedian, naming Vladimir Vinokur, Efim Shifrin, or Mikhail Galustyan as likely candidates before the reveal.
In a moment of candid reflection, Yarushin commented that the performance was built around powerful pop-rock selections. He confessed that he wished he could have delivered a moment that matched the musical energy envisioned for the reveal, but acknowledged that the timing didn’t align perfectly. The sentiment was clear, and the audience understood that the show’s rhythm can be unpredictable even for seasoned performers.
Meanwhile, Valeria, a singer on the program, appeared visibly moved by the appearance of Yarushin on stage. She admitted that she had entertained a certain interpretation of the reveal but chose not to share it publicly out of reluctance and uncertainty about its accuracy. The moment added an extra layer of emotion to the night, as colleagues and viewers weighed possibilities while celebrating the contestants’ courage and stage presence.
Earlier in the season, on a different night of performances, Nastasya Samburskaya — known for her career in film and music — made a notable exit from the competition. Dressed in a butterfly-like moth costume, she left the stage while the judges, led by Philip Kirkorov, offered warm remarks. Kirkorov, who serves as the show’s chairman, described Samburskaya as a striking and sophisticated performer, hinting at the audience’s affection for her with a tone that suggested genuine admiration.
In previous episodes, there has been continued industry chatter about the boundaries and rights of public figures. There was speculation about whether a well-known artist might be subject to formal recognition or regulatory review in a broader context. Those conversations have underscored the program’s role as a platform where performance, fame, and public perception intersect in real time, inviting viewers to consider how celebrity personas evolve when the camera starts rolling.
Throughout the season, the show has balanced theatrical masquerade with personal storytelling. Contestants step into elaborate disguises, not only to entertain but to reveal something new about their artistry. The tension of the unmasking ritual—paired with spontaneous performances and candid reactions from judges—continues to captivate audiences across regions where the series airs, including Canada and the United States. Viewers follow the trail of clues, weigh each performer’s prior work, and share moments of surprise that echo beyond the studio walls.
As episodes unfold, the production team emphasizes the carefully curated surprises, the dynamic chemistry among the judging panel, and the evolving strategies of the participants. The reveal of Vodyanoy’s true identity stands as a reminder that masked performances can serve both as entertainment and as a window into an artist’s broader body of work. The show remains a forum where fans interpret hints, celebrate vocal versatility, and enjoy the playful mystery that makes Mask a cultural phenomenon in North America and beyond.