In a recent briefing with producer Sergei Lavrov, he described Yuri Antonov as one of the most capricious figures in the classic Russian pop scene. Lavrov recalled that Antonov once requested two bottles of expensive wine on his rider, but the pop icon allegedly preferred to settle expenses in cash. He reportedly took all the wine and transported it to his home cellar, a detail Lavrov shared to illustrate the singer’s idiosyncratic habits.
Lavrov also commented on Alla Pugacheva’s temperament, noting that the prima donna can issue ultimatums that affect which artists appear on a project. He suggested that Pugacheva felt competitive pressure from Valeria during the Star Factory program, recounting how Valeria filled large venues with fans after singing the track Chasiki and likening her presence to a SHAMAN in a skirt in Lavrov’s eyes.
On December 9, Yuri Antonov made a memorable remark during a show, comparing Alsou’s singing to the buzzing of a mosquito while performing a duet with the artist. He later admitted that he could barely hear Alsou’s voice at that moment, a candid critique that drew attention from viewers and fellow performers alike. Despite the sharp commentary, Antonov noted a special bond with Alsou because of her close friendship with her father. He also expressed that a future duet with Alsou would be a great honor, underscoring the mutual respect that sometimes grows amid public disagreements.
Earlier, Philip Kirkorov weighed in on Valery Leontyev’s role within the broader music landscape, offering his perspective on where Leontyev stands among peers and how his presence shapes contemporary stage dynamics. The remarks reflect a pattern of veteran artists sharing frank opinions about rising stars and the shifting balance of influence within the Russian pop scene.