Singer Valeria’s partner in music, producer Iosif Prigozhin, recently discussed his past interest in Valery Meladze on a television broadcast carried by RTVI. The remarks have sparked renewed discussion about Meladze’s artistic choices and how they may affect his career in the immediate future. Prigozhin’s comments suggest a complicated personal and professional dynamic surrounding Meladze’s public persona and the direction of his performances.
Prigozhin described Meladze’s stance as a personal decision that carries significant implications for those around him. He said that both his team and representatives from a major media group have been close to resolving the Meladze question, indicating that discussions have moved toward a possible consensus. However, Prigozhin also criticized Meladze’s latest move as a break from that momentum, implying that the current attitude toward him may have shifted as a result. This raises questions about how Meladze’s choices are perceived by colleagues and industry executives alike, and whether there will be coordinated responses from music industry stakeholders.
In Prigozhin’s view, Meladze’s current position stands in sharp contrast to a unified stance he believes should prevail in light of the circumstances. He characterized Meladze’s approach as inconsistent with the expectations of many in the industry, arguing that a single, clear position is necessary under the present conditions. The producer’s remarks reflect a broader debate about how artists navigate public expectations, personal autonomy, and the potential impact on their professional engagements.
Earlier reports noted that Meladze’s spring concert schedule in Krasnoyarsk was canceled, with similar cancellations following in Irkutsk and Novosibirsk. The sequence of events has heightened scrutiny of Meladze’s public availability and the decisions that influence where his performances will occur. The cancellations have prompted discussion among fans and observers about the factors that drive such changes and what they mean for Meladze’s touring plans in the near term.
A group of deputies from the Tyumen Regional Duma has urged authorities to ban Meladze’s concerts in Russia and have submitted a formal appeal requesting the revocation of the honorary title “Honored Artist of the Russian Federation.” The move signals significant political and cultural pressure surrounding the artist, with officials signaling a willingness to use formal mechanisms to influence his career trajectory. This development has become a focal point for debates about artistic freedom, censorship, and the responsibilities of performers within the national cultural framework. The situation continues to unfold as officials weigh both public sentiment and institutional considerations in making any final determinations. (Source: RTVI)