Timur Rodriguez is set to share hosting duties for the refreshed music competition New Star Factory alongside Regina Todorenko, according to a report from TASS citing TNT’s press service. The channel’s representatives emphasized that the revival would pair two mentors with two presenters, underscoring a broader, more dynamic format for the show. Rodriguez disclosed that he once appeared as a contestant in the original Factory project, a connection he says added personal insight into why he joined the newer version: he wanted to discover whether updated details would shift the program’s approach or energy.
Regina Todorenko was confirmed as the second host on February 14, and the series is slated to premiere on March 3 on TNT. The announcement follows earlier speculation about the lineup, including the role of Sergei Shnurov, best known as the frontman of the band Leningrad. Alongside his own band responsibilities, Shnurov was described as a mentor who would guide aspiring talents to showcase their abilities with support from his group’s lead singer, Sergei Zhukov.
Industry executive Joseph Prigozhin recently offered an upbeat assessment of the program, predicting a substantial impact on the Russian entertainment scene. He voiced confidence that New Star Factory would cultivate a new generation of performers who could rise to prominence in show business. Prigozhin also anticipated that Shnurov and Zhukov would form formidable teams, contributing to a competitive and high-energy atmosphere throughout the competition.
In related news, the network has signaled continued involvement with prominent personalities returning to TNT’s lineup. This latest wave of talent considerations reflects TNT’s ongoing strategy to refresh its music and talent programming with recognizable figures who can connect with audiences across Russia and neighboring markets. Fans and observers alike are watching closely to see how the expanded hosting duo and the mentor roster will influence vote dynamics, performance pacing, and audience engagement as the show progresses. The evolving format appears designed to blend mentorship with on-screen chemistry, aiming to create compelling television that resonates with national viewers and international audiences seeking contemporary Russian music talent.
As the project unfolds, industry watchers note the importance of aligning star power with authentic musical development. The combination of experienced mentors and personable hosts can help translate raw artistry into polished performances, while the producers aim to maintain suspense through strategic episode structure and timely storytelling. The collaboration among the hosts, mentors, and production team will likely shape the program’s tone, pacing, and overall appeal, with a clear goal of launching fresh talents into the broader entertainment landscape. Analysts suggest that the program’s success will depend on the balance between guidance, competition intensity, and the authenticity of each participant’s artistic journey. The return of familiar names to TNT’s broadcast slate is seen as a bridge between established audiences and new viewers in Canada and the United States who seek contemporary Russian pop culture content.