In a candid conversation with journalist Alena Zhigalova, Alexei Kabanov shed light on the hidden side of the Star Factory show, revealing a string of peculiar incidents that occurred behind the scenes. The interview paints a picture of a set that was anything but ordinary, where jokes and mischief often blurred the line between work and play, and where the atmosphere could swing from tense to surprisingly lighthearted in an instant.
Kabanov recalled a memorable prank by Star Factory participant Mikhail Grebenshchikov. The stories describe a playful chaos that leaped from the backstage to the stage, as Misha allegedly pulled off a sequence of humorous acts that left everyone astonished. The tale goes that Kabanov found himself exiting the restroom with two brown pieces of paper, which Mikhail had licked and then transformed into a playful spectacle by spreading chocolate on them. The moment drew gasps and laughter alike, with fellow contestants exclaiming in disbelief at Misha’s cheeky improvisation.
Back in 2002, Kabanov, then a member of the Roots group, emerged as the winner of the Star Factory project. The following year, the Roots took Russia to the Eurobest international music competition in Cannes. There, their performance culminated in a solid sixth place, delivering a rendition of Queen’s classic song “We Will Rock You” that resonated with audiences and juries alike, marking a notable milestone for the group on the European stage.
Earlier reflections from Kabanov reveal the moment of letdown that accompanied winning the Star Factory, when the prize did not meet expectations. He described the group’s anticipation of a substantial monetary reward, only to receive a microphone instead. The artist noted that the team needed to rediscover their confidence and happiness after the surprise, turning to the moment as a catalyst for renewed motivation and focus on their craft.