The son of TNT channel director Tina Kandelaki, Leonty, exited the program New Star Factory.
Kandelaki Jr. gathered enough votes to stay in the project, yet the singer chose not to continue as a participant and handed his spot to another contestant, Nikita Ufimtsev. He explained that his ambitions would be realized beyond the confines of the show.
Responding to criticism, Kandelaki Jr. addressed the online detractors, saying that their negativity had only strengthened his family.
Tina Kandelaki shared on her Telegram channel that she felt deep pride watching her son mature.
“My eyes filled with tears of joy seeing the man you have become. Thank you for not letting me, the channel, or your new friends at the Factory down. Nikita, the entire family wishes you success. This is your opportunity. Seize it,” remarked the TNT director.
The show’s first live concert, a milestone for New Star Factory, aired on TNT on March 3. Following the broadcast, the participants were welcomed to a home where they would live, work, and study together over the coming months. The initial five entrants included Leo, Tina Kandelaki’s son; Daria Kochneva, a participant from Yandex Music project Iskra; Alexander, the son of famed chansonnier Mikhail Krug; Maria Gordeeva, a jazz vocalist; and Altai talent Nikita Ufimtsev.
Earlier the newcomers had voiced concerns about the living arrangements in what some described as a star house, highlighting the challenges of space and shared accommodations as the competition progressed.
Throughout the early episodes, the dynamic between family legacies, rising artists, and the hunger for a breakthrough created a narrative that resonated with viewers, even as participants navigated the pressures of performance, public scrutiny, and personal growth. The production team continued to position the show as a platform where talent meets opportunity, with mentors, judges, and peers shaping the trajectory of each contestant.
Leonty’s exit, while a personal decision, underscored the broader theme of pursuing music careers on one’s own terms. Viewers observed how choices made within the show could redirect a participant’s path, sometimes accelerating a future beyond the studio doors. The mix of family involvement, professional expectations, and individual ambition remained a central thread as the season matured.
As the story unfolded, the cast and crew emphasized resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace new chances. The conversation extended beyond the televised moments to discussions among fans about what it means to balance legacy with artistic independence. In this light, the event was framed not as a setback, but as a strategic step toward broader horizons in the music industry.