Music critic and TV presenter Sergei Sosedov has rejected the reports circulated by news.ru, stating that the premiere of the new season of the TV series “Mask” was postponed due to the involvement of singer Philip Kirkorov. He positioned these claims as unfounded noise and asserted that in the world of television, schedules can be adjusted for a variety of reasons beyond any single celebrity’s missteps.
Sosedov dismissed the rumor that the delay was tied to a scandal surrounding Kirkorov, calling it nonsense. He explained that in the long lead times required for a major broadcast, a show can undergo substitutions or reconfigurations without implying guilt or responsibility on any one artist. The critic went further, outlining his view on the cancellation of the premiere and presenting his own analysis of the situation that contradicts the speculation circulating online.
“If one person becomes disgraced, for any reason, there will always be another expert ready to step in. It is logically impossible for a program that has been in development for so long to be scrapped solely because of the actions of a single individual. Has the ‘Mask’ project ended for Kirkorov? That notion is quite ridiculous,” the reviewer said, underscoring his confidence in the flexibility of show production and casting decisions that are common in entertainment media.
Sosedov also stated that he would not hesitate to replace Kirkorov as a member of the jury on the show if necessary, emphasizing his belief in the importance of maintaining the program’s integrity and balance. The exchange reflected broader discussions about accountability and evolving lineups in reality competition formats, where public perception and behind-the-scenes dynamics often drive casting choices as much as talent and fit with the show’s vision.
On February 5, the NTV channel announced a delay that affected the premiere of the fifth season of the series “Mask.” The new air date was set for February 18, shifting away from the previously announced February 11. At the time, the exact reason behind this scheduling move remained undisclosed, leaving viewers and media outlets to speculate about possible causes and the practical implications for production timelines, marketing plans, and audience expectations.
Commenters on the VKontakte post announcing the transfer weighed in with various theories, including the possibility that changes in the jury composition had influenced the schedule after the controversy surrounding Nastya Ivleeva’s recent party. It is noted that the prior jury for “Mask” had included Philip Kirkorov, who attended Ivleeva’s party, a connection that fueled discussions about potential conflicts of interest, public relations considerations, and the ripple effects such events can have on a show’s branding and credibility.
In related remarks, Valuev had previously described a video apology from Kirkorov as a mockery, hinting at ongoing tensions and varying interpretations of accountability within the entertainment community. This backdrop of public discourse continues to shape how broadcasters, critics, and audiences interpret the timing and leadership choices for programs like “Mask,” illustrating how reputational dynamics can intersect with scheduling decisions and creative direction in contemporary television culture.