The recent episode of the popular Russian singing competition show 'Superstar!' aired on February 22, 2025, showcased not only performances from beloved artists but also dramatic conflicts among the jurors, particularly involving Lera Kudryavtseva and Sergey Sosedov. The show, which features stars from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, aims to give these artists another shot at fame through new interpretations of their classic hits.
This season has employed a unique judging system where performances receive ratings based on the level of applause and juror approval, with terms like 'on fire' or 'fireworks' granting the contestants additional points. The emotional playing field heated up during the fourth episode, during which the participants sang songs originally made famous by Yuri Shatunov. Herein lies the crux of the tension between Kudryavtseva and Sosedov.
During this episode, Sergey Chelebanov performed "Grezы," and the judges reacted strongly. While Kudryavtseva and fellow judge Stas Pyeha praised Chelebanov for bringing new life to the song, Sosedov dismissed the performance as what he termed "psychiatric theater." The musical critic stated, "I am literally horrified; I feel sick at this point. This should never happen!" His harsh critique provoked Kudryavtseva, who responded passionately, exclaiming, "I categorically disagree with you. Sergey, sometimes you go off track!" The conflict escalated to the point where she temporarily left the studio to regain her composure.
Despite her brief exit, Kudryavtseva later returned to express her admiration for Chelebanov's performance, stating, "It was just breathtaking. I give up." This emotional rollercoaster caught the attention of viewers, as the tension between the judges has increasingly become more dramatic than the performances themselves.
The hosts of 'Superstar!', Vadim Takmenev and Natasha Koroleva, aim to inject lively energy, yet the controversial moments are stealing the spotlight, pushing the performances to the background. The competitive aspect of the show also caused the elimination of Lena Katina, highlighting the pressure contestants face. Katina had struggled to impress with her rendition, which led to her leaving the show.
Performances from other contestants, including Корнелия Манго and Michael Muromov, drew mixed responses. Many judges criticized their interpretations, leading to discontent and disappointment among both performers and audiences alike. This led to Pyeha stating, "Where did you even go? I was waiting for the original version the whole time," emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the adaptations.
Therefore, as the show progresses and the jurors continue to express strong opinions and engage in heated debates, fans are left wondering about the next developments. Will Kudryavtseva and Sosedov find common ground? How will contestants respond under this newfound scrutiny? The drama of 'Superstar!' not only fosters conflicted artistic expressions but also keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what might happen next.
This blend of competition, emotion, and drama serves as both entertainment and cultural commentary on the enduring legacy of 80s and 90s music, bridging the past with modern interpretations and personal conflicts. Viewers remain engaged, tuning every Saturday at 20:10 to NTV to catch the latest twists and turns of this melodious show.