Philip Kirkorov teamed up with Nikolai Baskov for a duet on the show Sweetie, both performers stepping out in identical jackets for the moment. The duet blended their star power with a touch of theatrical flair, making the moment feel like a stylish banner for the program.
During the performance, Vitaly Volkov joined the stage, presenting an original track portrayed in the character of a man facing his own alcohol struggles. He explained that the piece was inspired by a classic literary figure, Anna Karenina, who falls in love with Vronsky in Leo Tolstoy’s celebrated novel. Kirkorov and Baskov then decided to give the song a new life as a cover, leaning into romantic chanson vibes and again aligning their outfits to reinforce the mood. The pair reportedly agreed to pay the author 300 thousand rubles if the song didn’t win the show.
On the show Candy, where established stars perform songs by unknown artists, viewers are treated to a format that blends online clips with performances by acclaimed performers who turn those pieces into genuine audience favorites. Each episode showcases five clips sourced from the internet, followed by five performances by artists who transform those tracks into polished, memorable numbers. The best performers are awarded a prize of 300 thousand rubles for their interpretations [Attribution: Televised entertainment programs].
February 16 brought news that Kirkorov would remain on the jury for the show Mask, joining fellow judges Valeria, Regina Todorenko, and Timur Rodriguez. The program premiered on the NTV channel on February 18. In the latest episodes, Kirkorov altered his stage image, opting for a more restrained look: a formal black suit replaced the previous riot of rhinestones. He complemented the new attire with a black wig and glasses, signaling a shift in stage persona while maintaining his signature presence [Attribution: TV broadcast updates].
Earlier, Arbenina commented on the cancellation of Night Snipers concerts, adding another thread to the ongoing discussion about tour schedules and artist commitments in the industry. While the public focuses on these televised moments, behind-the-scenes elements — creative choices, contractual negotiations, and public relations considerations — shape how artists appear on air and how audiences connect with their music and performances [Attribution: Music industry coverage].