In a candid interview about the show Mask, Yulia Sumacheva spoke with the broadcast star about Victoria Daineko and the reactions she faced regarding perceived bias on the project. Sumacheva shared that the critiques surprised her, highlighting that the creative team approached casting and presentation with a focus on artistic identity, not prejudice. She emphasized that every decision was driven by the overall artistic plan and the storytelling needs of each moment on stage, rather than personal biases against any participant.
The discussion revealed that the program’s repertoire was selected not merely to fit the artist’s real life profile but to harmonize with the visual language of the costumes themselves. For example, in the case of the Phoenix character, the costume design presented a physical challenge that required choreography and movement to be carefully choreographed around a three‑meter wingspan weighing about fifteen kilograms. The producer explained that the character’s identity—mysterious, majestic—was the guiding thread for both the visual and performance direction. This approach ensured that each participant could deliver a compelling number while preserving the integrity of the character they portrayed.
Sumacheva further clarified that each contestant had the freedom to choose one of the directors to collaborate on the performance an arrangement designed to optimize the individual numbers. Behind the scenes, discussions were held privately, and any disagreements ultimately resolved through quick, constructive dialogue among the production team. She pointed out that for the producers, the most important outcome was delivering an exceptionally brilliant show, which made the notion of bias seem out of place when viewed against the overall quality and ambition of the program. The emphasis remained on creating a standout performance that resonated with audiences and showcased the contestants at their best.
Previously, Victoria Daineko had spoken about her own experience on Mask, describing an initial sense of bias in how her performance was perceived relative to other participants. She noted that her own number did not stand out as brightly as some of the others, which she attributed to a combination of staging and comparative emphasis rather than any deliberate exclusion. Daineko’s reflections highlighted the challenges participants face in a high‑stakes televised competition where perception and presentation can influence audience reception. The production team continuously sought to balance artistic fairness with story clarity, ensuring that each performer’s talents could shine within the larger arc of the season.