In an interview conducted by Yana Churikova, Anton Zatsepin spoke about the dynamics behind Irina Dubtsova’s rise to prominence on Star Factory. He hinted that the show’s producers or executives played a decisive role in shaping the outcome, suggesting that a particular contestant was favored because of their potential to attract attention and draw viewers. Zatsepin recalled that although he started strong, the decisions of the late stages leaned in a direction that favored others, indicating that some performers received guidance from those in charge while others were left to compete on merit alone.
He stated that Stas Piekha and Irina Dubtsova both progressed to the finale of Star Factory in that season. The singer admitted that she happened to learn about her unusual standing through casual conversation, revealing how information about backstage votes sometimes travels quickly among participants. Zatsepin claimed that he initially planned to protect Ratmir Shishkov during the elimination round, but he was advised to cast his vote in favor of Dubtsova instead, a move that caught him off guard and prompted careful reflection on the integrity of the process.
According to Zatsepin, he approached Irina and she reportedly urged him to tell the others that those in charge had directed votes toward her. The moment felt shocking to him, as he sensed a larger force at work beyond the individual performances on stage. He confronted the situation directly, asking the men involved to give him space as he tried to understand what was happening and how much influence appeared to be exerted behind the scenes.
Earlier, Yana Churikova had publicly commented on a personal matter involving Valeria that drew wide attention. The discussion highlighted the intense scrutiny that comes with fame on a competitive platform and underscored how personal relationships can intersect with public perception in reality TV. The ongoing discourse around these events continues to spark conversation among fans and observers about fairness, mentorship, and the hidden pressures that shape outcomes in popular talent shows.