On March 9, 2025, the fifth episode of the sixth season of the popular show "Mask" aired on NTV, bringing with it surprises and twists befitting the International Women’s Day theme. The episode titled "Mask - 6" was characterized by the anticipation of unmasking, emotional performances, and the judges' attempts to decipher who was hiding behind the colorful costumes.
This episode featured women dominating the jury panel as Filipp Kirkorov remained the only male judge. Other judges included previous season winner Sevil Velieva, singer Valeria, television presenter Regina Todorenko, and comedian Marina Kravets. Their mission was to suggest who among the contestants would be eliminated at the episode's conclusion.
Throughout the show, contestants showcased their talents through elaborate performances. Each participant aimed to mislead the jury with creative presentations, often employing humor and mime to disguise their vocal identities. Among the acts were Ogurchik performing "Gangnam Style," Tsyplenok with his rendition of "Letet," and Vozhd presenting "You Are So Beautiful," among others. The performances were strategically crafted, with contestants engaged in playful dialogue with the jury, adding to the intrigue. For example, during his act, Tsyplenok humorously stated, "I'm not Oleg Miami, I'm Nikita Tsytsyvkar," showcasing both wit and bravado.
By the end of the episode, viewers and judges had to vote for the three weakest performances. Tsyplenok was nominated for the second time, along with Bogomol and Vozhd. Viewers rescued Vozhd with 45% of the audience votes, leaving the judges to choose between Tsyplenok and Bogomol. The jury sought to unmask one participant, and the decision fell heavily on Kirkorov, whose admiration for Bogomol influenced his ultimate choice.
The judges deliberated over their options. Sensing the lighthearted nature of Tsyplenok’s performance, some believed he could be Rodion Gazmanov or even Egor Kreed. Meanwhile, the composed and polished act of Bogomol led the jury to theorize it could be Olga Seryabkina. Their predictions came as the stakes rose, and the emotional weight of the decisions palpable, as they attempted to resolve who would exit this week.
Finally, with suspense hanging thickly, Kirkorov opted to unmask Tsyplenok, leading to the big reveal. The crowd roared as Aleksandr Revva, widely known for his comedic talent and musical performances, stepped away from the mask. Revva stated, "This was supposed to happen either on March 8, or at the finale, as it is my birthday month—so, it felt right!" This light-hearted comment encapsulated Revva's time on the show and his overall spirit throughout the competition.
Consequently, the jury were once again astonished, having concluded each guessing round without arriving at the correct identity for Tsyplenok. While they showcased expert reasoning, the jury could not guess correctly, missing Revva's identity, which reinforced the show's unpredictable nature. The excitement carried with each reveal continues to drive audiences week after week.
For the upcoming round, viewers can look forward to the next episode airing on March 16, 2025. The remaining cohort of ten contestants will be aiming to charm the jury and viewers alike, keeping the thrilling game of disguise alive and well! The show is not just about who can sing best but also how cleverly they can weave their narrations and mislead the audience.
With its playful approach to performance art and celebrity culture, "Mask" resonates well with audiences, offering entertainment through music, humor, and the edge-of-your-seat excitement of mystery within the competitive format. Each passing episode raises the stakes, making it increasingly difficult to predict who will remain hidden behind the next mask.