On April 18, 2025, the third episode of the popular vocal show "Nu-ka, vse vmeste! Horom!" aired on the Russia 1 TV channel, showcasing a vibrant competition among musical groups from various regions. The show, a spinoff of "Nu-ka, vse vmeste!", features ensembles of four or more members competing for the coveted project cube and a cash prize of five million rubles, which, when divided among all participants, may not seem as impressive.
The episode kicked off with a special guest appearance by Nadezhda Babkina, who recently celebrated her 75th birthday. Babkina performed the song "Oi, pri luzhku, pri luzhke" with her band, a performance that drew mixed reactions from the audience and judges alike. Some critics described the act as a primitive display with a lack of authenticity, questioning Babkina's relevance in contemporary music. Kolunya, one of the show's personalities, referred to her as "the favorite of the whole country," sparking debate over whether younger artists might better represent the current musical landscape.
The competition program featured eight performances, each vying for the approval of the expert panel, which includes renowned musicians and critics. The first act was Fermata, a pop choir from Voronezh, who performed "Poezda." Despite their efforts, they garnered only 50 votes, with judges commenting that their sound was bland and lacked emotional depth. Babkina encouraged them to inject more joy into their performance by singing along with beatbox accompaniment from one of the experts, Vakhtang.
Next up was the acapella group Sakartvelo, who presented a medley of Georgian folk songs. Their performance was well-received, earning them 98 votes, but some judges felt it lacked variety, with one commenting that it sounded like a single lengthy piece rather than a medley. The leader of the panel, Sergey Lazarev, noted the need for more emotional expression from the group.
The Belarusian vocal group Status performed the song "Survivor," receiving 53 votes. Their rendition, which included a blend of different styles, was deemed somewhat unoriginal by the judges, with Lazarev critiquing their choice of repertoire and suggesting they should focus on more authentic Belarusian music.
Another notable performance came from the State Choir of the Republic of Kalmykia, who sang "Hallelujah" and received 55 votes. The judges were puzzled by the choir's style, with some guessing their origins incorrectly. Lazarev attributed the performance's shortcomings to poor arrangements and lack of experience, leading to a disappointing score.
Three ladies known as the Spokanki took the stage next, performing their original song "Mamega" in a unique ethno-avant-garde style. Their energetic performance, which included theatrical elements and a made-up language, captivated the audience and judges alike, earning them 99 votes. However, David Vinner, one of the experts, harshly criticized their act, calling them "untalented actresses." Despite this, Babkina praised their creativity and stage presence, while Lazarev declared it the most interesting performance of the episode.
The trio Why Cats, Why? followed with their rendition of "Posmotri v glaza," which was met with mixed reviews, earning 56 votes. While some judges appreciated their style, others criticized their outfits and overall stage presence, suggesting they lacked the necessary fire to engage the audience.
The School of Dramatic Art Choir performed "Ne v luzhkakh miloi gulyaet," receiving 83 votes. The judges felt their performance lacked polish and originality, with Lazarev admitting he struggled to understand the artistic direction of the piece.
Finally, the University Choir of Lobachevsky from Nizhny Novgorod took the stage, performing "Baba yetu" and achieving a remarkable 99 votes. Despite one judge, Brendon Stone, abstaining from voting, the choir's performance was praised for its energy and execution. The results of a secret vote ultimately favored Spokanki for the top position, while the Lobachevsky choir competed for a second chance to reach the finals.
As the episode concluded, the audience was left in suspense over which groups would secure their spot in the final showdown. The judges' decisions were not without controversy, as Lazarev openly criticized Babkina for setting a high bar with her guest performance, suggesting it may have overshadowed the contestants.
Looking forward, the show continues to build anticipation for its finale, with fans eager to see which groups will ultimately claim victory in this exciting musical competition. The final showdown is set for May 2, 2025, featuring a special guest appearance by the renowned artist Filipp Kirkorov.
