The sixth season of the popular show "Mask" on NTV concluded with a spectacular finale on April 27, 2025, revealing the identities of several celebrities who had performed in elaborate costumes throughout the season. The show, which premiered in February, featured 14 contestants who captivated audiences with their talent and mystery, making it one of the most talked-about events on Russian television.
In the grand finale, the first participant to be unmasked was Straus, who was revealed to be actress Evelina Bledans. Initially slated to unveil her identity during the semi-finals, Bledans impressed the judges with her performance and was given another chance to shine before a live audience at the Kremlin. "I was very scared of this mask, I felt like I couldn’t breathe in it, but I didn’t want to let go of this character just yet," Bledans expressed, reflecting on her emotional journey throughout the competition.
As the competition progressed, the remaining finalists—Bokser, Vozhd, Dalmatin, and Sokol—each performed a final number to secure their positions. Vozhd, who delivered a stunning rendition of Igor Krutoy's "Love of Established Swans," left the audience in awe. Filipp Kirkorov, one of the judges, praised Vozhd's performance, noting, "I’ve never heard such a brilliant vocal performance since Michael Jackson. You’ve brought a new life to this beautiful song." The judges were left speechless by Vozhd's ability to switch between tones effortlessly.
Meanwhile, Bokser, who performed a song by Earth, Wind & Fire, was deemed the weakest link in this round. The judges, including Kirkorov, Regina Todorenko, and Stas Kostyushkin, voted for Bokser to be unmasked. Under the costume was revealed Zhan Milimerov, a former member of the Premier Minister group. Despite his exit, Milimerov remained upbeat, stating, "It was clear from the start that I was a warm person, and I hope that showed through my performances."
As the final performances unfolded, Sokol was next to be unmasked, revealing singer Alexey Goman. The judges had initially suspected that Sokol was a different contestant, but Goman's unique style and vocal delivery made him a standout in the competition. "I really wanted to show my range, but the costume made it challenging to move freely," Goman admitted after his reveal.
In the end, only Vozhd and Dalmatin remained. The judges were divided on who should be unmasked first, with Kirkorov casting the deciding vote for Dalmatin. When the mask was removed, it was revealed that the talented singer Mona (Daria Kustovskaya) had been performing all along. "This experience has been like living in a fairy tale for three months, and I’ve learned so much about performance and artistry," she shared, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to participate.
Ultimately, the title of champion for the sixth season of "Mask" went to Vozhd, whose true identity was revealed to be Alexander Panayotov. The judges had speculated about Panayotov throughout the season, and his victory was met with applause from the audience. "This win marks a new chapter in my life, and I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here," Panayotov said, reflecting on his experience on the show.
Throughout the season, viewers were treated to a mix of suspense and entertainment as contestants like Agata Muceniece (Korovka), Eldar Dzharakhov (Kapibara), and Ksenia Borodina (Ovechka) took the stage, each revealing their identities in dramatic fashion. The show’s format, which combines music, mystery, and celebrity, has proven to be a winning combination, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation.
As the curtain falls on this season of "Mask," fans are already speculating about who might return for future installments. The blend of talent and intrigue has set a high bar for the next season, ensuring that the show remains a staple of entertainment on NTV.
