The singer Nikolai Baskov addressed rumors in a chat with the Telegram channel Zvezdach, specifically about a supposed romance with Ilona Kotelyukh, a model and former participant of The Bachelor. In his remarks, Baskov insisted that their relationship is strictly friendly and that the two share a very close, platonic bond. The chatter about a possible romance began to swirl after the pair attended Lolita Milyavskaya’s anniversary concert together, an event that drew media attention and fueled speculation in entertainment circles.
According to Baskov, the chatter persisted after he was contacted by reporters who began writing about a potential romance. He emphasized that after those loud rumors, happiness for him lies in keeping some things quiet. He suggested that the narrative circulating in the press was not aligned with reality and that he prefers to let good things unfold away from the glare of headlines. The singer’s stance reflects a common theme in celebrity circles where private connections are scrutinized and often misunderstood by the public and media alike.
Earlier in November, Baskov was seen leaving an event accompanied by a young woman. The outing followed Milyavskaya’s anniversary celebration, and reports from a tabloid source stated that the pair exited the venue together, sharing a car and exchanging farewells while Baskov performed his song “Golden Cup” for his fans. The details, as reported, included a moment of performance and a quick departure, which often becomes fodder for speculation in show business circles.
It later emerged that the young woman was Ilona Kotelyukh. Kotelyukh is known to be raising her son Alex and daughter Glafira alongside her possible partner, a businessman identified as Nikolai Sarkisov. The narrative also mentioned that Sarkisov has a daughter named Michelle with his girlfriend Nikita Raskovalov. These family details frequently surface in entertainment reporting, drawing interest in how personal lives intertwine with public careers.
Beyond the specific incident, Baskov has made statements about what he finds attractive in a partner. In a July remark, he highlighted that intelligence is a compelling trait in a potential companion, underscoring how he evaluates a person’s thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. This stance reflects a broader pattern where celebrity figures outline personal criteria in navigating new connections while managing public perception. Observers often note that such comments shape how audiences view future partnerships and the dynamics of fame in modern celebrity culture.
Prior to these developments, other public figures in the entertainment scene had hinted at possible new romantic chapters, with Lada Dance reportedly signaling a fresh interest in romance. The chatter around Baskov, Kotelyukh, and related figures illustrates how closely fans follow celebrity relationships, paying attention to every appearance, statement, and pairing rumor. The ongoing conversations illustrate how media coverage and social commentary intersect with private life, even when individuals consciously choose to keep certain aspects discreet.