On a recent broadcast of the popular show Let’s all together, Sergey Lazarev stunned fans with a bold move. A message to the artist’s supporters appeared on a Telegram channel connected to the program. The episode was a special edition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the renowned composer Igor Krutoy, and contestants performed Krutoy’s songs in fresh interpretations while competing for the prize — a new song written by the maestro himself.
In this Krutoy tribute, competitors delivered renewed takes on his hits, aiming to show range and depth while paying homage to the master. The night turned into a celebration of Krutoy’s enduring influence, inviting the audience to hear familiar melodies through contemporary interpretations and to judge based on both vocal skill and artistic reinterpretation as the prize of performing a Krutoy composition hung in the balance.
During the competition, one of the judges, phoniatrist Lev Rudin, withheld support for Arpi Abkarian, a decision that could rover the contestant from earning the top score and seizing the episode victory. Sergey Lazarev rose to his feet and pressed Rudin’s buzzer as the judge exited the studio, a moment that sparked heated discussion among viewers. In the end, Abkarian and fellow artist Daria Khramova were announced as the winners of the special episode.
Lazarev later explained that many viewers might have seen only a fragment of the moment, and he believed that this edition produced two strong performers who deserved the win rather than one. He offered a public apology to Lev Rudin for the intensity of his reaction and affirmed his intent to return to the show as a participant.
He added that Rudin’s presence should not determine the outcome, describing the moment as driven by personal hostility, unfair judgment, and double standards. The remark underscored the passion fans associate with the program and the high pressure that accompanies live performances.
The night before, a rare photo surfaced showing Sergey Lazarev with his mother on her birthday, circulating among fans and adding a personal dimension to the public figure’s life. The artist had previously discussed family life in interviews, including a lighthearted note about a gift for his son tied to the books he reads.
These moments illustrate how a televised competition can blend musical tribute with personal narratives, turning a single episode into a talking point about artistry, fairness, and the human side of fame.