The latest issue highlights a moment from the popular talent show Mask, where the event’s jury chair, Philip Kirkorov, cast doubt on the truthfulness of Timur Batrutdinov, who once performed on the program in disguise as a Rabbit several years ago.
During a recent performance by a contestant wearing a pepper-pattern mask, the comedian again insisted that he knew who was behind the costume. Kirkorov asked directly whether the masked speaker could reveal the performer’s real identity, and Batrutdinov admitted that he had been bluffing in the past.
“I thought you were an excellent player, but you aren’t someone who can bluff convincingly,” the singer remarked, addressing the comedian’s antics with a hint of playful sarcasm.
When the cat character took the stage, the comedian maintained that he recognized the contestant’s true identity but chose not to disclose it, saying he wanted to support the other artists. In response, Kirkorov directed a flurry of lighthearted barbs at the performer, calling him a “former masker” and joking that exposing him might undermine the show’s rhythm.
“A former masker knows how it feels to have the mask removed. It can disrupt the flow and confuse the audience,” the musician concluded with a wink of humor.
Earlier, Yulia Savicheva had raised questions about the possibility of stepping away from the stage, adding to the ongoing chatter surrounding the show and its competitive dynamics.