On New Year’s Eve, the audience of NTV witnessed a surprising reveal as singer Vladimir Presnyakov performed under the mask of the Black Rabbit in the special project New Year’s Mask + Avatar. The moment brought intrigue and excitement, as viewers learned that the voice behind the enigmatic persona belonged to a well known artist, adding a festive layer to the broadcast.
In this edition, the show introduced a fresh lineup of characters alongside familiar masks and avatars. The Black Rabbit stood out as the symbol of 2023, joining the cast with a mix of mystery and musical flair. During his appearance, Presnyakov delivered the emotional rendition of the song All that was, captivating the jury and the audience alike with his vocal presence and stagecraft.
Jury members including Philip Kirkorov, Timur Rodriguez, Valeria, Sergey Lazarev, Regina Todorenko, Timur Batrutdinov, Ida Galich, and Mark Tishman listened intently and expressed their admiration after recognizing Presnyakov’s distinctive voice. Lazarev noted that the quick identification was a compliment, emphasizing that the performance carried a rare, unmatched artistry that set it apart from anything else on the stage.
The episode also featured a varied cast of characters such as Snowstorm portrayed by Masha Rasputina, Bigfoot played by Emin, Reindeer voiced by Tatiana Bulanova, Elf brought to life by Gosha Kutsenko, Pierrot portrayed by Aleksey Nemov, a Christmas Tree role performed by Nadezhda Babkina, and Santa Claus brought to the screen by Garik. The ensemble contributed to a dynamic and festive atmosphere, creating a memorable sequence for the audience to enjoy.
Amid the festive performances, there were moments of light drama and personal stories that added texture to the episode. One notable development involved a former blogger known as Case, who spoke candidly about a challenge he faced during the competitive run of the show Mask.Dancing, recounting a moment from the finale that had stirred conversation among fans and viewers alike.
As the year closed, viewers across North America and beyond reflected on the blend of music, mystery, and celebrity personas that make New Year’s Mask + Avatar a captivating holiday tradition. The program continues to spark speculation about future disguises, hints of identity, and the evolving chemistry among the judging panel, the performers, and their devoted audience. The show’s appeal lies not only in the performances but in the sense of wonder it creates when familiar faces emerge behind imaginative costumes, reminding fans that talent can be found in the most unexpected places.