On April 25, 2025, the Russian musical show "Nu-ka, vse vmeste! Horom!" aired its latest episode, showcasing an exciting final qualifying round that determined two more finalists for the season. The stakes were high, with a grand prize of 5,000,000 rubles and the title of champion on the line. This episode featured a diverse array of performances from various musical groups, including choirs, trios, and quartets, all competing for the coveted spot in the finale.
The guest judge for this episode was the rising star Tatyana Kurtukova, known for her viral hit "Matushka". This song has captured the attention of many, especially among younger audiences, leading to Kurtukova's frequent appearances in television concerts and programs. However, her critical approach during the episode surprised both contestants and viewers alike.
During the show, Kurtukova evaluated the performances alongside the regular panel of experts, and her feedback was notably harsh. For instance, she did not support the Chelyabinsk exemplary pop choir "Tutty" with her vote, stating, "What I didn’t like? The lower voices had some kind of failure, there’s a lack of sound texture and a problem with phrasing." This critique, delivered with little sugar-coating, quickly turned the atmosphere tense.
In a moment of comedic relief, fellow judge Nikolai Baskov responded to Kurtukova's comments with a light-hearted jab, remarking, "Oh, I thought she was a sweet girl," highlighting the unexpected severity of her judgments. Kurtukova's candidness did not stop there; she also criticized the academic choir of Russian song from the Orpheus Telecentre, with whom she had previously performed, reinforcing her stance that she would not hold back in her evaluations.
As the episode progressed, Kurtukova's critiques continued to draw mixed reactions. While some experts appreciated her honesty, others felt she was overly harsh. Lazarev, another judge, defended the contestants, emphasizing the energy and potential they brought to the stage. He remarked, "The sound was dense. The previous broadcasts lacked energy and power. Today, each team brings energy. And that’s good, let it be better that way than something that’s just mumbling."
Among the performances, the academic choir "Mlada" stood out, earning a remarkable 99 votes for their rendition of a lullaby from a popular cartoon. Kurtukova expressed a change of heart, stating she would visit Perm to learn from them, showcasing her ability to appreciate talent when it resonated with her.
In contrast, the male vocal quartet "El Grande" received 96 votes for their performance of "Il mondo". While Lazarev praised their potential, Kurtukova expressed her disappointment, noting, "This performance is thin ice. I didn’t like the lead-in, and the pronunciation was poor." Her comments sparked a lively discussion among the judges, with some defending the group while others echoed her sentiments.
Other performances included the women’s quintet "U Like", who represented Russia in Dubai but received only 75 votes, and the Markellov Voices choir, which shocked Lazarev with their lack of harmony, earning just 31 votes. Kurtukova's critiques were consistent across the board, as she expressed her dissatisfaction with their performances.
Despite the tension, the show concluded with two groups advancing to the finals: the academic choir "Mlada" and the academic choir of Russian song from the Orpheus Telecentre, which secured their place with 94 votes. The final round is set to air on April 30, 2025, and promises to be an exciting culmination of the season.
The episode highlighted the diverse talent present in the competition, while also showcasing the sometimes brutal honesty of the judging panel. As the contestants prepare for the final showdown, viewers are left wondering how the dynamic between Kurtukova and the other judges will unfold, and if her tough love approach will ultimately benefit or hinder the performers.
