In a spectacular finale that aired on March 29, 2025, the musical show "Odin v Odin" captivated audiences on the Russia channel with its dramatic transformations and competitive spirit. The stage was graced by talented participants, including Rodion Gazmanov, Yulia Savicheva, Alisa Mon, Maria Zaitseva, Zhan Milimerov, Arseniy Borodin, Nadezhda Angarskaya, Valeria Lanskaya, Vyacheslav Makarov, and Nodar Reviya, all vying for the top spot in one of the country’s most grandiose musical showcases.
The competition was fierce, with each performer embodying legendary artists from various eras, showcasing not just their vocal talents but also their ability to mimic and portray the essence of their chosen icons. The judges, including artist Yuri Stoyanov, opera singer Marina Mesheryakova, and actor Alexey Chumakov, were left in awe by the incredible performances, while the audience erupted in applause.
Ultimately, it was Maria Zaitseva who emerged victorious, a win that took her by surprise. Zaitseva, who previously participated in the show "Narodny Artist" and was part of the popular duet "2Mashi," expressed her overwhelming joy at the outcome. "I can say that when the winner was announced and my name was called, I was truly shocked. We didn’t keep track of the scores during the show, and at the time of filming the finale, I didn’t know where I stood in the rankings. This is the first time in my life I have won a show, although I have considerable experience participating in various projects. This victory is very valuable to me," she stated.
During the season, Zaitseva transformed into multiple iconic figures, culminating in a stunning performance as Cher, which she shared on her personal page just before the finale. "Today is the final! All participants were given the opportunity to choose who they wanted to impersonate. I chose Cher. But... it’s not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance," she wrote, hinting at the challenges of embodying such a legendary figure.
The final episode featured a variety of impressive performances. Vyacheslav Makarov secured second place, while Alisa Mon took third. The hosts, Klava Koka and Nikolai Baskov, entertained the audience with a duet of the hit "Felicita," paying tribute to Soviet-era performers Al Bano and Romina Power.
Throughout the season, viewers watched as the contestants transformed into renowned artists, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. The jury's evaluations were based on the performers' image, vocal abilities, and overall presentation. The cumulative scores determined the ultimate winner, adding a layer of suspense to the competition.
In her final performance, Zaitseva wowed the judges by beginning her act as Eros Ramazzotti, singing "Più che puoi". The jury was astounded from the very first moments of her performance. "This is her, already her in makeup!" exclaimed Stoyanov, as the audience looked on in amazement. Following this, Zaitseva transformed into Cher, performing a duet with herself that showcased her remarkable vocal versatility and stage presence.
"This is a real school! To be in the body of a completely different person, to sing not with one’s own voice, to live it in one take is a challenge to oneself. It’s very important for me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. We had an amazing team of incredibly talented, professional artists who excel in the genre of transformation," Zaitseva reflected on her experience.
The finale was further spiced up by guest judge Philip Kirkorov, who praised Zaitseva's performance as "incredible" and expressed disbelief at how accurately she captured Cher's unique timbre. "I did not think it was possible to replicate the uniqueness of Cher’s timbre, but you succeeded!" he exclaimed, visibly moved by her performance.
Other contestants also delivered standout performances, with Rodion Gazmanov channeling Vladimir Presnyakov in his rendition of "Stewardess Jeanne," and Alisa Mon embodying the legendary Edith Piaf with her powerful rendition of "Non, je ne regrette rien." Yulia Savicheva impressed the jury with her transformation into Lyudmila Zykina, performing "The Volga Flows," while Nadezhda Angarskaya captivated with her portrayal of opera diva Montserrat Caballe, singing "O mio babbino caro." Klava Koka remarked on Angarskaya's performance, saying, "You sang, and my jaw dropped!"
As the season concluded, the contestants left a lasting impression on both the audience and the judges, proving that the show "Odin v Odin" is not just about competition but also about artistry, creativity, and the joy of performance. Each participant brought their unique interpretations to the stage, creating unforgettable moments that resonated with viewers across the nation.
With the final curtain drawn, Maria Zaitseva's victory in "Odin v Odin" marks a significant milestone in her career. As she embarks on new adventures in her musical journey, fans eagerly await what this talented artist will bring to the stage next.
