Former soloist of the group Tea for Two, Stas Kostyushkin, recalled a playful moment: the collective once joked that their live performance was worth more than any recorded track. Lev Leshchenko, a veteran star, teased Kostyushkin and his partner Denis Klyaver during a behind the scenes moment on a TV program, and the memory stuck with Kostyushkin as a vivid example of the camaraderie inside the showbiz circle.
Leshchenko and the members of Tea for Two crossed paths again after filming a program together. Kostyushkin recounts that on that particular day, only his quartet performed without a backing track. The moment earned a warm compliment from Leshchenko, who admired the energy and authenticity of their live singing. The encounter underscores a sense of mutual respect among artists who share the stage, the lights, and the pressure of live performance.
The anecdote unfolds near a restaurant where Lev Valeryanovich Leshchenko happened to pass by. He stopped, offered praise, and commented on the quality of the live vocal work. The dialogue that followed centered on the fact that Tea for Two had chosen to perform live, a choice that impressed the elder artist and prompted a lighthearted remark about the group’s ability to carry a song without digital support. Kostyushkin and Klyaver responded with pride, acknowledging the compliment and the moment of validation from a respected colleague.
Tea for Two was formed in 1994 and quickly became a notable name in the pop scene. The duo consisted of Denis Klyaver and Stas Kostyushkin, who shaped the group’s early sound and public persona. After nearly two decades of success and collaboration, the group decided to part ways in 2012 due to differences in creative direction. The split marked a turning point for both artists as they explored solo projects while continuing to influence the pop landscape with their individual repertoires and performances.
Interest in the duo remained high, and a reunion was announced in December 2022. Kostyushkin stated that both he and Klyaver would pursue solo careers alongside their work as a pair, allowing each artist to explore personal stylistic avenues while maintaining the enduring partnership. The two performed a fresh single, Tender, at a high-profile event at Crocus City Hall, signaling a renewed chemistry and a continued commitment to delivering memorable live experiences to fans.
In earlier conversations, Kostyushkin also shared a personal note about a family nickname connected to a tea experiment. The remark adds a human, intimate touch to the public career, illustrating how even in the world of fame, family stories can echo in the memories of performers and fans alike. The recollections collectively present Tea for Two as a lasting chapter in the broader story of contemporary pop music, marked by live artistry, mutual respect among peers, and a resilient artistic partnership that continues to evolve.