The sixth season of the popular Russian transformation show "Odin v Odin!" concluded last Friday, March 29, 2025, with a dramatic final episode that left both fans and participants buzzing. The show, which features contestants impersonating iconic artists, crowned Mariya Zaitseva, the former lead singer of the group "2Mashi," as its champion. Zaitseva triumphed with an impressive score of over 300 points, showcasing her talent in a performance that included transformations into both Cher and Eros Ramazzotti, during which she sang their duet "Più che puoi." The judges were clearly impressed, awarding her the highest scores throughout the season.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Zaitseva expressed her gratitude, stating, "I have no words. I don't know what to say, but I want to share my victory with each of you! This is our award. I feel a bit awkward." Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience, yet not all viewers shared her joy. Many fans took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the results, claiming that Zaitseva's win seemed predetermined and that the judging was unfair.
Second place went to television host Vyacheslav Makarov, while third place was claimed by Alisa Mon. Despite their commendable performances, the audience's reactions suggested a significant divide in opinion. Comments flooded in, with viewers criticizing Zaitseva's impersonation of Ramazzotti as "disgustingly nasal" and asserting that her portrayal of Cher was lackluster. One fan lamented, "None of Mariya's performances impressed me, although I love her work. The winner should have been Vyacheslav Makarov!" Another echoed similar sentiments, stating, "It feels like a fixed result. It's disappointing for Vyacheslav!"
While the audience expressed their discontent, the judges maintained their support for Zaitseva. They had consistently praised her throughout the season for her impressive transformations, including a notable performance as Celine Dion, which left even seasoned judge Larisa Dolina astonished. The judges highlighted Zaitseva's ability to accurately capture not only Dion's vocal tone but also her performance style, calling it a remarkable feat.
In a surprising twist during the season, judge Yuri Stoyanov stirred controversy by kissing a judge's chair in reaction to another contestant, Nadezhda Angarskaya's, performance, showcasing the heightened emotions and tensions that often accompany such competitive shows. The sixth season of "Odin v Odin!" featured a diverse lineup of contestants, including Alisa Mon, Zhan Milimerov, Vyacheslav Makarov, Nodar Reviya, Yulia Savicheva, Rodion Gazmanov, Arseniy Borodin, and Valeria Lanskaya. The judging panel consisted of well-known figures including Stoyanov, Filipp Kirkorov, Alexey Chumakov, and Marina Meshcheryakova, who offered their expertise and opinions throughout the season.
Despite the backlash from viewers, the show continues to be a staple of Russian entertainment, captivating audiences with its unique concept of musical impersonation. Each contestant is tasked with not only replicating the vocal abilities of the stars they portray but also embodying their mannerisms and stage presence, making for a challenging yet entertaining experience.
As the season wraps up, it remains to be seen how the producers will address the fan backlash and whether changes will be made in future seasons to enhance the transparency and fairness of the judging process. For now, Mariya Zaitseva stands as the champion of the sixth season, celebrated by some and questioned by others, a reflection of the passionate fanbase that the show has cultivated over the years.
With the conclusion of this season, the anticipation for the next installment of "Odin v Odin!" is already building, as fans eagerly await the announcement of new contestants and the return of beloved judges. The show not only highlights the talents of its participants but also serves as a platform for discussions about artistry, competition, and the subjective nature of performance.
As the dust settles on this season's drama, one thing is clear: whether loved or criticized, "Odin v Odin!" continues to capture the hearts and minds of viewers across Russia, making it a significant part of the cultural landscape.
