Childhood
Diana was born on May 31, 2003 in the Far East, in the city of Arsenyev. According to fans of the young singer who are looking for information about her nationality, Diana has non-Slavic roots. Later it turned out that the girl’s father was Azerbaijani.
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Diana Ankudinova and her mother Irina Ponik
What is known about the girl’s parents is that her biological mother beat and abused her. According to Diana, this was the woman’s 12th pregnancy. True, each time she got rid of the child. Having become pregnant with Diana, she, as in previous times, planned to have an abortion. But it so happened that the girl survived.
Already at the age of 3, the baby ended up in an orphanage. At that time, Irina Ponik worked there as a masseuse. The woman was so impressed with the affectionate and kind girl that she decided to take guardianship of her. But even with age, Diana’s fear of her own mother did not go away, and she asked Irina to go as far as possible from these places.
Music
Diana’s creative biography began in 2012, after her mother took her to the Melodiya vocal studio at the local cultural center. The girl became the pupil of Svetlana Vovk, who helped her discover her musical talent and taught her to believe in herself.
Diana Ankudinova - Jodel Time (show “The Voice. Children”)
Ankudinova began performing first at city song competitions, then at all-Russian and, finally, international ones. The girl amazed the audience and the jury with her strong voice and unusual timbre. Therefore, it is not surprising that both the teacher and Diana’s mother decided that the girl should try her hand at the Channel One television show “The Voice. Children". Of course, she immediately supported this idea.
In 2020, the young artist passed preliminary auditions for the 4th season of “The Voice”, and at the beginning of 2017 she participated in the “Blind Auditions”. The girl performed brilliantly; she sang the song “Jodel Time” by the Swiss group “Oesch's die Dritten”.
Ankudinova demonstrated yodelling - this is a special vocal technique where there are no words, but there are characteristic quick switches of vocal registers. In fact, not every representative of Russian show business owns such equipment.
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Diana Ankudinova on stage
To everyone's surprise, none of the project mentors turned to Diana, but the whole audience stood up. The very next day, a serious scandal broke out on the Internet; viewers were perplexed as to why such a talented vocalist was not accepted into the project. They demanded that Diana be returned.
Later, Valery Meladze commented on the current situation, saying that each of them wanted to press the button, and only ignorance of what they could give such a vocalist in the next tour stopped them. Despite everything, the girl was not upset at all, at least she didn’t show it. Diana smiled sincerely and kindly at the jury, which is what the viewer remembered.
Diana Ankudinova and Nyusha - “I am your angel”
In February 2020, Nyusha came to Tolyatti on tour; she told listeners that she was a mentor in the children’s project “The Voice”, and shared that making a choice is not easy. She invited Diana Ankudinova to appear on stage. Together with Nyusha, the girl performed the song “I am your angel.” The audience received their performance with a bang, and when Diana left the stage, the entire audience chanted: “Well done.”
In 2020, Diana won the gold medal at the All-Russian Youth Delphic Games. She won in the “Pop Singing” category - she became the first among 39 participants.
In February 2020, the 2nd season of the project “You are Super!” started on the NTV channel. As you know, this show involves children left without parental care, in which they get a chance to express themselves and their talent throughout the country. It was here that viewers were able to see Diana again. She performed the song “Derniere danse” by singer Indila in French. A video was later released for this musical composition.
Diana Ankudinova - Derniere Danse (show “You are super!”)
The project judges Sergey Lazarev, Yulianna Karaulova, Viktor Drobysh and Igor Krutoy unanimously chose Diana Ankudinova. They were truly impressed by her vocal abilities. They gave the young singer a standing ovation. In the next stage, the girl performed the song “It's a Man's Man's Man's World”, leaving no one indifferent in the hall. It was obvious that she would advance to the next round.
In the first semi-final, Diana Ankudinova sang the song “My Little River”. In just a few minutes, the singer put the entire studio into a trance. The project jury was delighted with her performance. They almost missed the moment of pressing the coveted green button, they were so captivated by Diana’s singing.
Diana Ankudinova - “My Little River”
At the final of the project, which took place on May 26, viewers voted for the best participant in the show. Having received 49% of the audience votes, the winner of the 2nd season of the show “You’re Super!” became Diana Ankudinova. After the triumphant victory, the girl said that she would certainly connect her life with music; she plans to enter a music college in Moscow.
Her work already has a lot of fans, so many viewers predicted the girl would win the show and have a great future on stage. The jury members announced that they had witnessed the birth of a new star. In her hometown, the artist has long become a star; she organizes solo concerts and fills the halls.
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Diana Ankudinova and Igor Krutoy
Igor Krutoy prepared Diana to participate in the “Children's New Wave” competition, where the vocalist was awarded a special prize. He also took care of the ward’s housing issue - the producer gave Ankudinova an apartment in Moscow.
In November 2018, the young singer was invited to join the jury of the national selection for the Junior Eurovision final, which also included Artur Gasparyan, Yulia Savicheva, Milena Bartsits and Egor Ermolaev. At the same time, the artist performed at a concert in the Column Hall of the Palace of Congresses.
Diana Ankudinova: “I would like to pass on my knowledge to others”
15-year-old Diana Ankudinova from Togliatti is a participant and winner of many prestigious music competitions, both in Russia and abroad.
This fragile girl with a strong character faced many trials.
The young performer remembers with bitterness how her biological mother offended her. Already at the age of 3, Diana ended up in an orphanage. Fortunately, the girl was soon adopted by Irina Ponik, a woman who worked there as a masseuse and was imbued with the most tender feelings for the baby. “I worked in a children's sanatorium as a massage nurse. This is where children from the orphanage were brought to us for recovery. My eldest daughter Anastasia noticed Diana and, one might say, persuaded her to take Diana. We tried to make documents and we succeeded. Nastya helps me a lot. They love each other. Diana has a song “My Sister” - this is for Nastya,” says Irina.
The new family noticed a talent for singing in Diana, which they managed to successfully develop. This year Diana Ankudinova won the project “You are super!” and recently took part in the children's “New Wave”, winning the audience award. In addition to singing, she plays the piano and studies in a theater studio, trying to develop her creativity as multifaceted as possible.
Diana, please tell us how you started making music. When did you first start singing?
I started singing when I was 4 and a half years old. It happened spontaneously. Those close to me simply began to notice that I really loved to sing. For example, I watched cartoons and always sang along. Once we came to visit a musician friend, and he noticed that I had hearing. In addition, I spoke poorly, and singing, as you know, helps with speech development. So my mother took me to vocal lessons, where the teacher already confirmed that I “have the data.”
Who were your first viewers and listeners?
Family. After all, it was at home that I constantly rehearsed, learned songs and also showed the “ready version” to my family. And only when they evaluated me did I understand that I was on the right track and doing everything right (smiles).
How did you decide to take part in the “You’re Super!” project?
In fact, the guardianship submitted an application for the first season of the project. Then, I admit, I knew little about him. But when the answer came that we had passed, I had already ended up on “The Voice.” Children". But you cannot take part in several projects at the same time. And I automatically “moved on” to the second season of “You’re Super!”
Which jury member were you most afraid of at first?
Probably the opinions of Igor Krutoy. Because he is a metro, a professional in his field. Igor Yakovlevich, in my opinion, is the strictest on the jury. I was very interested, but at the same time worried, what he would say about me.
Which participants did you consider competitors? Who did you make friends with?
I made friends with everyone. We did not consider each other competitors, did not compete, but, on the contrary, supported and helped as best we could. And now, with joy, I continue to communicate with many.
What was the most difficult thing for you on the project?
The most difficult thing for me was to survive the temporary separation from my family. After all, we haven’t seen each other for six months! Of course, we called each other and corresponded, but I really wanted to be close to my family and come home. And this was possible to do extremely rarely and literally for two days. I really missed my family!
Could you have imagined that you would win?
Of course, there were assumptions. But there were also doubts. Before I got to the project, I thought it would be easier. The other participants turned out to be incredibly strong. Despite the fact that not everyone was professional, they are very cool (smiles). Therefore, there was no 100% confidence in my victory.
What was the first thing you felt when you realized that you had won?
I didn’t immediately understand what was happening. I was completely shocked when they called my first and last name. I am, of course, incredibly happy and very glad that I was able to do this.
How do you manage to combine study and career development?
While I was participating in “You’re Super!”, we were studying right there. Before the project and now, I can’t say that it was very difficult for me. I love both singing and teaching. If a person has a goal, then everything will work out. You just have to strive.
Are you now fully committed to studying music professionally, or have you not yet decided which university to study?
I will enter the pop-jazz department. I decided that I wanted to connect my life with music, vocals, and also with theatrical art.
How important do you think music education is? If you have talent, can you do without a diploma?
I believe that having special education is very important. It helps a lot in life, especially for a creative person. I myself recently graduated from an art school with a degree in piano. Perhaps you can do without a diploma. But, in my opinion, having an education is still better. It's much more reliable.
Diana, as you know, after “You’re Super!”, you managed to take part in the “Children’s New Wave”, where you won the “Audience Award”, for which we also congratulate you. Tell us about the vivid impressions you received at Volna. What did you like, what perhaps upset you?
Insanely many vivid impressions. This is such a large-scale competition. I was very happy when I found out that I was invited there. Previously, it was transcendental for me, one might say (smiles). As for the Audience Award, it is very valuable. For me, people's love is more important than even victory. So, of course, I am very happy!
Would you like to take part in any other competitions?
I would really like to take part in Eurovision. But since I’m already 15 years old, I don’t qualify for “children’s” age, and it’s still too early for me to qualify for “adults”. But we will try to get there. This is a big level that I probably still need to grow to.
Do you think such “competitions” strengthen the artistic spirit? What have they brought to your life personally?
Of course, they harden it. I think that if it weren’t for all these projects in which I have taken part at the moment, I would not be so popular in my activities. Projects like this are very important for creative people. Competitions brought the love of many spectators into my life, I gained fans and subscribers on social networks (smiles). And, of course, this is a huge advancement, a very great experience: both in creativity and in vocals, and in communication. I think that thanks to the “You are Super!” project, I have become much more professional in my business.
What are your hobbies besides music?
Besides vocals, I play the piano. I also love to draw, embroider, knit – everything related to creativity and handicrafts. I really like making various gifts and cards with my own hands. I also love to dance.
Do you have many friends, and have your relationships with them changed in any way after the project?
I have a lot of friends. Yes, some have changed. With some in a good way, with others in the opposite direction. I will not hide the fact that envious people appeared. But I try not to pay attention to it, remaining an ordinary friendly girl.
What do you consider your main achievement, both in life and in creativity?
At the moment, over 15 years of my life, I consider victories in various large-scale competitions to be my main achievements. This is about creativity. And in life - that I have a family, people dear to me. That everyone is alive and well, thank God. I'm a very happy person.
Is it difficult to be a teenager nowadays?
Probably more yes than no... We are all forming, looking for ourselves in some activity, learning who we are. Of course, there are difficulties in this. Moreover, it seems to me that it is more difficult for girls at this age than for boys. More often, some misunderstandings and difficulties in communication arise.
Do you work a lot, or is there still time for proper rest and communication with friends?
At the moment I'm working more. There is very little time left for friends. We have almost the entire summer planned out in terms of work. Therefore, you have to communicate with friends on social networks more often.
Is there, so to speak, a minimum plan that you would like to implement before the age of 18?
I have already said that I want to take part in Eurovision. It would be great to try yourself in such a large-scale competition before this age. I would like to go to study where I want. And then we’ll see how life turns out. But in any case, I will try to improve the level of my professionalism.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as a successful singer and vocal teacher. I would really like to pass on my knowledge to others.
What do you want to do in this life? What do you think needs to be done to say “life is good” in adulthood?
You need to live honestly, work, always go towards your goal and, of course, ultimately achieve it. Then, perhaps, we can say that life is good!
Please share your future plans.
Fortunately, there are a lot of tours planned, many invitations to perform in different cities. Of course, I will do vocals and music. And further plans are to study, study and study. I want to achieve the highest level of professionalism and give my creativity to people.
Personal life
In addition to vocals, Diana enjoys drawing, attends a theater group and studies artistic expression. She is talented and multifaceted.
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Diana Ankudinova in 2020
The young singer runs Instagram, regularly posts photos from music festivals, records videos of her singing, and shares news from her creative and personal life with subscribers. The artist admits that she loves to keep diary entries, so she turns every post on the page into a touching message to her fans.
Diana Ankudinova now
At the end of 2020, young talents were awarded in the Samara region, whose names were included in the “Golden Book” of the region. Among the award winners was the winner of the show “You’re Super!”
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Diana Ankudinova in 2020
Now Diana participates as a guest performer at national concerts. In December 2020, she became a guest of the Good Wave charity festival, which was held in Kazan. The artist also took part in the recording of “The Christmas Song of the Year” by Igor Krutoy.
At the end of March 2019, the winners of the XIV All-Russian Olympiad on financial literacy, financial market and protection of the rights of consumers of financial services for high school students appreciated her vocal skills at the award ceremony. In the same year, the singer’s repertoire was replenished with the song “My Stranger” to the words of the famous poetess Larisa Rubalskaya.
At the same time, Diana became a participant in the super season of the program “You are Super!”, which brought together not only new contestants from five countries, but also a number of young musicians who had participated in previous seasons.
Diana Ankudinova - “Blizzard”
During her first performance, Ankudinova performed the song “Blizzard” and received positive marks from all members of the jury - Diana Arbenina, Evgeny Margulis, Yolka, Alexey Vorobyov. The decision on the girl’s passage to the semifinals was made by Vorobiev. In the next episode, she performed the song “Wicked Game” and, by the decision of Igor Krutoy, made it to the finals.
The young performer shares her achievements with Instagram subscribers. Episodes of the TV show with Ankudinova’s performances on NTV’s official YouTube channel have already been watched by 80 million people.
Diana Ankudinova canceled all upcoming concerts and went to her teacher’s anniversary
16-year-old singer from Togliatti Diana Ankudinova once again shocked the whole country with her vocals. Diana took the Grand Prix of the super-final of the music competition “You’re Super!” NTV channel. However, in the next three months the girl does not plan to delight her fans with new concerts.
Exams on the nose
“Now Diana’s priority is study,” noted concert organizer Yulia Eliseeva in a conversation with a KP-Samara correspondent. — She is going to enter the State Music School of Pop and Jazz Art on Bolshaya Ordynka. She has no time for concerts and performances. Diana will have to take the OGE. The girl is diligently preparing for exams, and then she will prepare for admission. We are not planning concerts in May, June and July, because Diana needs to do well in exams and go to college. Now this is her main task.
During the finals, the organizers of the competition “You are super!” We have prepared a surprise for Diana. It turned out that the girl really loves the foreign group Twenty one pilots and wants to go to their concert. But the American duo’s tour did not include Russian cities, so the channel’s management decided to organize a trip abroad for the Togliatti native. Diana could choose in which country she wanted to listen to the concert of her favorite band.
— Diana chose the Netherlands. Twenty one pilots will perform there August 16-18. Diana will go there to see her favorite band perform and spend a week there, this is a gift from the NTV channel,” said Yulia Eliseeva.
“Diana has matured a lot”
Young Diana acquired thousands of fans in just a few years. Now her name is known throughout the country and even beyond its borders. But she did not forget who taught her vocals, and even preparing for the exams did not prevent her from attending the anniversary of her beloved teacher Svetlana Vovk.
Photo: Svetlana Vovk (vk.com/id12459627) Photo: SOCIAL NETWORKS
— Now Diana lives in Moscow. We don't have joint lessons. We communicate by phone. These are mostly some kind of advice or life conversations. Not long ago, the guys from Tolyatti and I came to Moscow for a competition. Diana met us and spent the whole evening with us. She charged me with her energy. Last Friday I celebrated my anniversary. Diana and her mother came to visit me to congratulate me. It was very pleasant,” Svetlana Vovk smiles.
Svetlana was among the first to learn about Diana’s victory. Even months before the taping of the TV show aired.
#superseason Final: “Human” - Diana Ankudinova.
“In March, as soon as filming ended, my mother Diana called me and shared her joy. But it was impossible to tell anyone about this joy, these were the conditions of the competition. It turns out that I was happy about this news twice. First, after the call from Diana’s mother, alone, and then together with the whole country,” notes Svetlana.
NTV General Producer Timur Weinstein announces the winner of the Grand Prix “You’re Super!” .
In Tolyatti, Diana's performances are watched with particular interest. And they note how the young vocalist is changing.
“I noticed how Diana has matured. In just a year she turned from a child into a girl. Now her voice is changing: range, sound strength. I can’t say that she has changed much creatively, but her voice has definitely become stronger and her range wider. It seems to me that this is how it should be, if a person studies vocals, he cannot remain at the same level. From lesson to lesson, improvement occurs: technique and sound strength are acquired, the repertoire changes, the teacher is sure.
Svetlana admitted that she was very proud of her student; they worked with Diana for four years, and during this time the girl conquered many serious competitions, and how many victories still await her.
