In a thoughtful discussion, singer Leonid Agutin shared a clear assessment of the Star Factory program during an interview with Nadezhda Yay. He argued that the decisive edge for Star Factory lies in producing original content, a contrast to other music-competition formats that often rely on familiar covers. According to Agutin, the show stands out not simply for its performances but for a deliberate focus on authentic material created with specific artists in mind. This approach helps young talents claim their first significant hits directly from the project, rather than chasing evolving covers or recycled trends. The impact, as he described it, is evident in how contestants evolve from relative strangers into recognizable names whose early catalogs feel uniquely theirs and tightly connected to the show’s creative process.
Agutin explained on the program that many musical projects structure their lineups around songs written for particular stars. In those cases, rising performers often ride the wave of a writer’s intention rather than their own voice. He emphasized that Star Factory has consistently steered toward nurturing material that resonates with the artist’s identity from the outset, helping to avoid the trap of one-off hits that lose momentum after the finale. This distinction, he argued, sets the show apart in the crowded landscape of Russian television music shows.
To illustrate his point, Agutin offered a vivid metaphor: Star Factory is like an aquarium where viewers watch delicate fish, enjoy the spectacle, and gradually become fans even before those fish are released. The comparison highlights his view that audience engagement begins long before a contestant reaches peak stardom. The show cultivates a long tail of attention, allowing audiences to become emotionally invested as they watch performers grow, which in turn fuels a sustainable fan base that survives beyond the broadcast period.
From Agutin’s perspective, this dynamic also helps explain why many finalists from the Voice have not achieved the same level of lasting fame. He suggested that when audiences engage with a show because of its original content and the artists’ true voices, the post-show landscape offers a clearer path to continued recognition. Without the anchor of genuinely authored material, even strong performances can fade as the immediate excitement of a finale dissolves, leaving less durable momentum for contestants who rely on covers or generic repertoires.
He elaborated with a pointed analogy about the journey to top-tier artists. The path often resembles a gathering of voices within cover groups, where individual songs are not owned by the performers themselves. In such cases, an artist might be seen as a talented singer within a restaurant repertoire rather than as a creator with a distinctive catalog. The finale may pass, but lasting impact depends on whether the artist has original material that can sustain a career beyond the show. The takeaway is clear: genuine artistry requires more than a single moment of spotlight; it demands music that the performer can truly call their own, and audiences that can carry that music into their daily lives.
In July, Prokhor Chaliapin spoke about his relationship with Star Factory, admitting that he felt a certain fondness for the show that bordered on being hooked. His remarks reflected a broader sentiment among several performers who have found the program’s approach, with its emphasis on original material and authentic artistry, to be compelling. Chaliapin’s comments added a nuanced layer to the discussion, illustrating how participants can develop a personal connection to a format that emphasizes artistic identity and real, lasting impact rather than a temporary surge of popularity.
Earlier, actress Lyudmila Chursina recalled a personal decision regarding Hollywood. She described a moment when she declined a move to the heart of international film production, choosing a different path that aligned with her own career goals and artistic priorities. Her reflection serves as a counterpoint in the conversation about fame, aspiration, and the nature of success in the entertainment industry. By describing a deliberate choice to forgo an overtly glamorous route, Chursina highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s own vision and the potential benefits of pursuing meaningful work within a local or national context rather than chasing external validation alone.