On March 8, 2025, NTV aired the sixth episode of its beloved music competition show "Superstar — 5," which reconnects audiences with famous artists from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. The episode, dedicated to celebrating the talents of these musicians, was filled with nostalgia, heartwarming performances, and insightful critiques from the judges, most prominently featuring Lolita Milyavskaya.
Having taken on the role of guest juror, Milyavskaya displayed her usual charisma, albeit with heightened criticism compared to previous episodes. She refrained from giving out maximum scores, explaining to the performers, "The final is near, and the performances need to truly capture the audience's attention to deserve high marks." Her strict approach reflects the increasing stakes as the competition progresses.
Among the highlights was Irakli Pirtskhalava's emotional rendition of "You're Not the Goal." During his performance, Pirtskhalava shared heartwarming details about reuniting with his father after 25 years. While Milyavskaya was not particularly impressed with the performance, noting it lacked some of the emotional depth she hopes for, Sergei Sosedov praised it, stating, "I really love classical pop, and there are few such performances now. It should be decent on stage." Yet, the audience's mixed feelings about Pirtskhalava's performance showcased the subjective nature of musical critique.
Another standout performer was Margarita Sukhanina, who opted for the tender composition "I Will Always Be With You." Sukhanina, previously known for her rebellious persona, showcased her transformation by portraying a glamorous film star of the 1920s. This change impressed host Lera Kudryavtseva, who noted her evolution from a "hooligan to a secular lioness." Unfortunately, Milyavskaya did not feel the performance surpassed her expectations.
Meanwhile, Cornelia Mango struggled with her performance but succeeded in captivating Milyavskaya's attention, receiving two points for her efforts. Mango's story—a reflection on her complex relationship with her father—merged well with her musical style but faced critique from some judges questioning her vocal delivery. Commenting on the episode, Milyavskaya remarked, "The emotional connection is what we seek; some performances hit the mark, and others don't quite align with what the show aims for." This statement encapsulated the general tone of the evening—the balance between performance and emotional resonance.
One notable musical act during the episode was Ksenia Georgiadi, who took on Grigory Leps and defied expectations. Sosedov, thoroughly impressed, declared, "For me, it was a master class on stage. It is stronger artistically, acting than the original. I didn't even expect it." This positive feedback underlined Georgiadi's growing reputation as she showcased her talent and stage presence.
On the opposite spectrum, Sergei Minaev's performance of "I Love You to Tears" drew criticism, receiving only six points—markedly the lowest of the episode. His song failed to resonate broadly with both the audience and the judges, illustrating the unpredictability of performance art and audience expectations.
Aziza rounded off the emotional performances on this significant date by singing "We Will Stand" by SHAMAN, injecting masculinity and strength around the typically tender theme of International Women’s Day. Her rendition included reciting the "Our Father" prayer between verses, which delighted the audience. Capping her performance with high energy earned her the only eight of the night, demonstrating her connection with the audience and judges alike.
Yet not all performances were without conflict. Sergei Chelobanov's act, which prompted heated discussions among the judges, particularly between Kudryavtseva and Sosedov. Kudryavtseva was quick to laud her godfather’s performance, but Sosedov criticized it as "pretentious" and not matching the high expectations he had for Chelobanov, leading to frustration and tension on set, reflecting the competitive nature of the show.
With tensions rising and excitement building as the competition nears its conclusion, it was Cornelia Mango's turn to exit the show, with sentiments reflecting her struggles throughout the season. "I am the youngest participant, and I still have everything ahead of me. For myself, I am a winner, I am superstar!" Mango declared optimistically as she packs her bags.
Despite her departure, she will return as a guest artist for the subsequent episode dedicated to songs from films, ensuring her presence remains felt within the competition.
"Superstar — 5" continues to highlight the enduring appeal of its star-studded lineup, offering viewers glimpses of nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and complex dynamics between established artists and the next generation, ensuring its legacy within the fabric of entertainment.