Maria Alalykina
Maria Alalykina left the Factory group two months after its creation, having managed to star in the only video for the song “About Love”
Maria was a bright and versatile girl. She participated in beauty pageants, sang and danced. Masha performed as part of the popular group “Factory” for only two months, because she began to have problems with her studies. Soon after leaving the group, Alalykina got married, gave birth to a daughter, and resumed her studies and music lessons. Another change occurred in the singer’s life - she converted to Islam. Masha's family happiness did not last long. The husband left the girl for her best friend, and because of wearing a headscarf, Maria was fired from her job. Today, the former factory owner runs her own blog dedicated to Islam and does not communicate with journalists.
Show business and music news NEWSmuz.com
“Why are we different from our Western counterparts? But because in foreign projects there is no need to develop the market, the market is developed from the very beginning,” explains Star Factory host Yana Churikova in an interview with Forbes. “And here it arose when there were few artists and they were all majors. There were no artists who could saturate the market. “The Factory was originally conceived as a business enterprise that, using many components—promotion, television, the institute of music production—should invigorate show business so that new units would appear and the market would revive.”
In form, “Star Factory” is a television product that the television (a private company managed by general director Larisa Sinelshchikova) sells to Channel One (a state-owned company managed by general director Konstantin Ernst, Sinelshchikova’s husband). How much the First pays to “ViD” (and whether this payment is expressed in money) is a big secret. The production company and the TV channel prefer not to disclose their kitchen. Outside of this kitchen, it is also difficult to find anyone willing to publicly judge the affairs of the two most powerful tycoons of Russian show business.
“Of course, we were satisfied with the indicators of the Star Factory project. If the project had not been successful, it is unlikely that there would have been five “Fabrics,” says Igor Burenkov, director of public relations at Channel One, in an interview with Forbes. And yet, Forbes, based on conversations with producers, representatives of record and concert companies, artists and television workers, was able to derive some unofficial estimates of what kind of financial flows the Factory generates.
So. The production of one “Factory” (without initial costs for the equipment of the “Star House” and the purchase of a license) costs an amount close to $1 million. These costs are partially compensated by sponsors - the companies Samsung (electronics) and Mia (cosmetics). The “Star Factory” participant selected as a result of casting enters into a two-year contract with the producers of the show. During this period, the project participant does not have the right to use his skills or his face without the employer’s knowledge; he does not even have the right to give interviews. Of course, any participant has the right to refuse to fulfill the contract. He will not have to pay any penalty - he simply will not be allowed to make an independent pop career. For example, a member of the group “Factory” (“Star Factory - 1”) Maria Alalykina, having left the project to give birth to a child, tried to host a television show on the TNT channel. Just a few days after the intervention of ViD, Alalykina was fired from this show.
However, most “manufacturers” understand that they have made a mutually beneficial deal: talent in exchange for the incredible capabilities of modern television. “I wouldn’t say that our guys are unfortunate puppets in the Karabas-Bar-bass theater, exploited by the aforementioned Barabas and pulling the strings. Nothing like this. These are quite adult people who knew what they were doing, who signed contracts as “adults” - everything is like in the big world of show business,” says Yana Churikova. “Yes, this is a chance that simply, so to speak, has no ceiling,” rejoices on the radio station “Echo of Moscow”, member of the “Korni” group Alexander Astashenok (“Star Factory - 1”). “The absolute majority of those we meet at our concerts, dreams of such a fairy tale that happened to us.”
The cash flow starts flowing from the first day the show is broadcast on television. For example, during one cycle, “Factory” receives up to 5 million SMS from viewers in support of the participants. Each message costs 30 cents. Excluding the share of mobile operators, the revenue of one “Factory” from SMS voting alone is about $1 million. In addition, the “Factory” magazine is published weekly with a circulation of 100,000 copies. This publication has only one correspondent on its staff, but six advertising managers. At the end of the television life of the project, the time for big money comes. Naturally, graduates of each specific “Factory” flow under the wing of a company associated with the producer of this series of shows. Thus, the composition of “FZ-1” works with Mainstream Production LLC (50% owned by Igor Matvienko), the second - with (50% owned by Maxim Fadeev), the third - with the production center of Viktor Drobysh (25% owned by Viktor Drobysh, 25% by Joseph Prigogine). The fourth “Factory” went to Liga-Service LLC (50% owned by Igor Krutoy’s production center ARS), the artists of the fifth series of the show were distributed between the companies of Matvienko, Drobysh and Fadeev.
Who owns the other half of each of the named. Market participants assume that all these persons are in one way or another connected with the same Larisa Sinelshchikova, but this has not been officially confirmed.
The mentioned production companies, with the participation of the record label Real Records, which is close to Channel One, are releasing the final collection “Star Factory”. Each such record sells 250,000-500,000 copies. This is practically the ceiling for the Russian market—for example, Zemfira’s last album “Vendetta” (the same Real Records) sold 280,000 copies.
Then “Factory” goes on a tour across the country. On each such tour, the “manufacturers” give about 100-130 official ticketed concerts and many custom ones. The entire “Factory” receives an average of about $10,000 per concert. The artist’s fee under the terms of the already mentioned two-year contract is $100 per performance. The producers take the rest - the costs of preparing and promoting the artist need to be recouped. The first “Factory” collected on the tour, according to experts, $1.5-2 million, the second - about $1.5 million, the third - $1.3 million. The champion was “Star Factory - 4”, whose receipts reached $2.5- 3 million
You can also recall such an income item as royalties. From 2% to 5% of the gross income of an organization that publicly broadcasts songs is recommended to be transferred to the Russian Authors Society (RAO). Contributions from television channels and radio stations to this organization amount to several million dollars a year. Having retained its commission (from 7% to 15% of the amount), RAO transfers the money to those who have entered into agreements with the company. Rarely is it the author or artist directly; more often it is a “music publishing house”.
For example, First Music Publishing House controls the use of more than 30,000 works, including those performed at Factory concerts. For its services in representing copyright interests, First Music Publishing House takes half of the money transferred by RAO. Moreover, the publishing house’s income comes not only from the broadcast of songs, but also from the sale of melodies for mobile phones (ringtones). And the sums there can be quite large - for example, the best-selling ringtone of last year, according to the Record award in the field of sound recording (a melody from the television series "Brigada") brought its owner, the Navy company, $700,000. It is unlikely that anyone will be surprised by the statements (unofficial) that a significant share in the First Music Publishing House belongs to the same Larisa Sinelshchikova.
After the two years stipulated by the project, the most popular graduates of the “Factory” are offered a new contract—for 5-7 years. Of course, with the same production company. You can refuse—but is it worth it? “Today, the best producer is also a composer, because artists earn money from their repertoire,” says producer Alexander Tsekalo in an interview with Forbes. “And to be honest, I can’t imagine that an artist who became popular with the songs of Max Fadeev or Igor Matvienko would then voluntarily refuse the services of these producer-composers.”
In addition, the new contract is concluded not by a “semi-finished product”, but by an established artist, so he is entitled to 10% of all income related to the exploitation of his name and talent. For example, the girls from the “Factory” group (graduates of “FZ-1”) already have an “adult” contract, so the income of each of them in December 2004 was about $20,000.
True, the clear scheme described above is not without glitches. “Star Factory - 4,” which was produced by Igor Krutoy, in violation of the Endemol license and without the knowledge of Channel One, appeared in parallel on the RS-controlled MuzTV channel. Endemol filed claims against Channel One. In the summer of 2004, Konstantin Ernst refused to broadcast the New Wave festival to Igor Krutoy. The conflict came to light, and a media war broke out between Channel One and ARS, which continues to this day. The consequence of this war was not only the disappearance of all Igor Krutoy’s projects from the air of Channel One. Even the permanent director of the Star Factory, Lina Arifulina, suffered. After she helped Igor Krutoy organize anniversary concerts (October 2004), Arifulina was no longer represented at the Friday concerts of Star Factory -5, and at the final concert at the Olimpiysky on December 20, 2004, she was not even invited to the stage.
Perhaps the consequence of this war was the emergence of persistent rumors that one had to pay money to participate in the “Star Factory”. They say that about $3 million was “brought in” to the 4th “Factory” (which worked precisely under the leadership of Krutoy). Moreover, $1 million was allegedly paid by the owner of the Donetsk (the company produces wall blocks) Alexander Chvikov for a “ticket” to the project for his 15-year-old daughter Alexa. Forbes could not find any evidence of this: rumors are rumors. The same Alexander Tsekalo does not believe these rumors: “The viewer can no longer be deceived - he has already gorged himself on world show business, people, of course, have developed taste, taste and satiety even - and the ability to distinguish, choose, sort through. Therefore, simply putting a beautiful girl or a cute boy on the air does not work anymore. You can be the daughter of the director of any factory, but if you are stupid, then no television will save you.”
There are other difficulties. The 5th episode of the show had two big expenses - $1 million, according to unofficial data, the fee of Alla Pugacheva, who was invited to the Factory. In addition, the diva was given almost a million dollars more advertising time to advertise her AB chips. But, most importantly, “Star Factory 5” collected only $700,000 during the concert tour, which, given the success of previous releases, can be considered a failure. Viewers were simply overfed with this format. The Endemol license provides for the release of six series of “FZ”. “ViD” promises to launch the new “Factory” this fall and complete the project there.
Over the course of a couple of years of work, “Factory” trained and released about 80 pop artists to the market, a couple of dozen of whom became firmly entrenched in show business. So there is no need to worry about the well-being of the authors and participants of this project.
Maxim Kononenko, Ilya Khrennikov, Russian Forbes, August 2005.
Mikhail Grebenshchikov
Among the participants of the first “Star Factory”, the merry fellow Mikhail Grebenshchikov stood out for his rare love of life
The fiery songs of the merry fellow Mikhail Grebenshchikov left no one indifferent. It was he who was in the lead in the audience vote for a long time, but eventually took third place. After the end of the project, Mikhail decided not to stop there. The musician wrote new songs, worked on television and began producing. In recent years, little has been heard about Grebenshchikov. It is known that he worked at Alla Pugacheva’s school, but was then fired. Today Mikhail is raising two daughters, dreams of falling in love again and building a strong family.
Pavel Artemyev
Today Pavel plays in performances of the Moscow Praktika theater and is the ideological leader and soloist of the Artemiev group
Pavel Artemyev, with his curly hair and cute burr, is remembered even by those who were not fans of the “Star Factory”. The group "Korni", whose lead singer was Pavel, took first place in the competition, and the musician was dubbed one of the most popular participants in the project. After the victory, “Roots” filled stadiums all over the country for many years, but Artemyev did not plan to stay in the group, so he left the team in 2010. Today Pavel still plays music, plays in the theater and acts in films. Thus, fans of the charming musician could see him in the TV series “Tatyana’s Night.”
"Star Factory" Season 1
Olga Tsibulskaya
Olga Tsibulskaya is the winner of the first “Star Factory” in Ukraine. Fortunately for her fans, the singer continued to make music and often pleases us with exciting new releases.
Dasha Astafyeva
Dasha Astafieva is the sexiest participant in the “Star Factory” in history. The girl became a Playboy star and Hugh Hefner's favorite. Explicit clips of the group NIKITA will be watched “to the holes.” Now Daria successfully acts in films, plays in the theater, maintains her own blog and has a solo career.
Dmitry Kadnay
Dmitry Kadnay changed his image, created his own group KADNAY and is successful in music.
Yulia Buzhilova
Yulia Buzhilova, unlike other manufacturers, instead of cheap shocking, love scenes and constant scandals, chose the image of a mysterious and enigmatic singer
The producers predicted a great future for Yulia Buzhilova, and numerous fans listened to her songs with rapture. Surprisingly, after the end of the project the girl disappeared. No one has heard the new songs of the talented singer. It is known that Julia got married and became a mother. The girl did not pursue her solo career, but wrote songs for other artists, for example, Vika Daineko and the group “Factory”.
Alexander Astashenok
We remember Alexander Astashenok as one of the members of the popular group “Korni”
Another member of the “Korni” group left the team after Pavel Artemyev left. Alexander did not connect his future with music, so he entered GITIS and began working in the theater. So, in the production “Till death do us part...” Alexander could be seen together with his friend Pavel Artemyev. Astashenok actively acts in films and works on television. Thus, the former factory owner played in the film “Still Alive” and the TV series “Closed School”. Today, Alexander continues to make music, but writes songs not for himself, but for other performers, acting as a composer and producer.
What happened to the participants of the fifth “Star Factory”
The fifth season of the popular show “Star Factory” did not take long to arrive: after the end of the fourth season, in the same 2004, a new stage began in the search for the country’s “golden” voices under the leadership of the prima donna herself, Alla Pugacheva (66). This line-up has become truly stellar, giving us such wonderful performers as Victoria Daineko, Natalya Podolskaya, Yulianna Karaulova, and many others. Today we decided to remember all the participants in the fifth season of one of the most successful domestic music shows.
Victoria Dayneko
The talent of Victoria Daineko (28) can be called a real discovery on the domestic stage. This ringing, clear and strong voice cannot be confused with any other. And the victory in the “Star Factory” project predetermined the girl’s future fate.
Indeed, the musical project helped to reveal Victoria’s talent, although she did not get into it the first time. Vika was born in the village of Kirovsk in Kazakhstan. Since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a singer, sang in the school ensemble “Atas” and studied dancing. Having matured, Daineko became a member of the group “Reflection”, then went to another - “Phaeton”. Vika constantly took part in competitions, probably since then she developed a fighting character, which helped her pass all the tests of the “Factory”. Also from an early age, Vika began writing music and poetry herself. The first song, “Red Girlfriend,” was written for her by composers from the city of Mirny, where she then lived, Sergei Kurchevsky and Anatoly Kotov.
Arriving in Moscow, Vika, oddly enough, entered the Moscow Aviation Institute at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, but still decided to try her luck at the casting of the show “People's Artist”, but did not pass it. Later, she was lucky to get to the “Factory”, and what happened next, you probably remember yourself: participation, victory, national glory. Igor Matvienko immediately signed a contract with her , and together with other “manufacturers” she went on a tour of the country. This was followed by her first hit and a video for the song “Leila”, which was filmed in Thailand. It was then that she went abroad for the first time. But the singer’s calling card was the song “I’ll Just Leave You Right Away,” which remained at the top of the charts for many months. Unlike many stars of domestic show business, Vika also has a successful personal life. At one time, she had fleeting romances with Pasha Artemyev (32) from the group “Korni”, singer Alexei Vorobyov (27), figure skater Alexei Yagudin (35), whom they met on the show “Ice Age” and even filmed a video together song "Needle". Today Vika is happily married to her lover, musician Dmitry Kleiman (21), is raising a daughter, and her life is more like a fairy tale.
She has not only big hits, but also a small role in the TV series “Happy Together”, she also took part in the dubbing of the Disney cartoon “Tangled”.
Official website of Victoria Daineko
Victoria Daineko VKontakte page
Victoria Daineko's Instagram page
Yulianna Karaulova
Yulianna Karaulova (27) became one of the youngest participants in the project - she was only 16 years old. At the “Factory”, Yulianna was remembered for her performance of the songs “Rain”, “No You” paired with Ruslan Masyukov, and was also a member of the group “Netsuke”.
After the project, Yulianna began to be invited to various television programs and talk shows, and in 2011 she became a member of the 5sta Family team, which was created by Vasily Kosinsky and Valery Efremov. A year later, the group released the album “Why”. Since 2014, Julianna has been thinking about a solo career, and her first single, “You’re Not Like That,” literally blew up the charts! Today the girl released a new track “Houston”, which, according to many critics, will also enter the top ten.
Yulianna did not stop there, she actively participates in the fashionable life of the capital and continues her creative activity.
Yulianna Karaulova's Facebook page
Yulianna Karaulova's Instagram page
Irson Kudikova
Irson Kudikova (33) was born and raised in Moscow. Since childhood, she has been involved in sports and music, and can play the violin. The girl has two higher educations: journalism and economics. Even before participating in the Factory, Irson had experience working on stage. At the age of 15, Alexander Tsekalo (54) became her producer, who invited Irson to the group “Children of Vinyl”. But her real fame came from her participation in the “Star Factory” project, where Alla Pugacheva noticed her, and later Irson became her protégé.
The singer admitted more than once that Alla Borisovna supported and helped her. Irson’s brightest and most memorable hits were the songs Why, “I’ll put everything in its place” in a duet with Alla Pugacheva, “Long Evenings” and “Forgive Me”. After the project, Irson signed a contract with Igor Matvienko and began performing a solo program. Later she met rapper Snoop Dogg and recorded the song Replay with him.
In 2012, Irson participated in the Eurovision qualifying round with the song Woman's Heart Never Lies, but did not qualify. Today, Irson not only continues her career as a singer, but also actively runs her own business - she runs the production company Irson Production, the jewelry company Golden Heart, and in 2012 she opened a children's family club, Family club. She is married to businessman Alexei Nusinov and has three children: daughter Alla and sons Andrei and Alexander.
Official website of Irson Kudikova
Irson Kudikova's Instagram page
Natalia Podolskaya
Natalya Podolskaya (33) is from Belarus, and has studied vocals since childhood and attended a theater studio. At the age of 20, Natalya moved to Moscow and entered the vocal department of the Moscow Institute of Contemporary Art, in the same year she took part in the Slavic Bazaar music festival, and then in the international festival “Universetalent Prague - 2002”, where she won in the “Best song" and "Best singer".
In March 2004, Podolskaya participated in the qualifying round for Eurovision 2004 from Belarus, but did not pass it, but in the same year she got into the Star Factory project. After “Factory” in 2005, Natalya won the Eurovision qualifying round and represented Russia at the competition in Kyiv with the song Nobody Hurt No One, taking 15th place. Podolskaya’s career developed rapidly: she recorded such singles as “Alone”, “Light a fire in the sky”, “Have you ever been there”.
In 2005, on the set of the “Big Race” program, the girl met Vladimir Presnyakov Jr., and a new stage began in her life. They began to often perform as a duet, and Viktor Drobysh (49) wrote the song “You are with me” for them. Soon everyone knew about their romance. And in 2010, the couple legalized their relationship. In the summer of 2020, Natalya gave birth to a son, Artem. Today Podolskaya actively takes part in various projects of Channel One, she has three studio albums to her credit, and the girl still has many heights ahead that she will definitely conquer!
Official website of Natalia Podolskaya
Natalia Podolskaya VKontakte page
Natalia Podolskaya's Instagram page
Konstantin Legostaev
Konstantin Legostaev (37) is from St. Petersburg. By the beginning of the fifth “Factory” he was already a fairly experienced musician. After graduating from school, Kostya goes to serve in the army, and upon his return he enters the St. Petersburg State University of Film and Television. It was during those years that Konstantin discovered his talent as a songwriter and recorded his first composition in a duet with Eva Polnaya, “Wait and Sing.”
Then he began attending all kinds of competitions for young performers. In 2001, Kostya moved to Moscow and tried to advance his musical career: he composed, recorded songs, and gave concerts. But only “Factory” brought him the long-awaited fame. However, during the show, Legostaev quarreled with Maxim Fadeev and decided not to sign a contract with him after the end of the project. Konstantin decided to promote himself, and in 2007 he created the rock group “Delta”.
In 2008, the song of this group was chosen as the soundtrack to the film “Wanted” by Timur Bekmambetov Kostya also composed the song “Somewhere” for the group “Julie”. Today he is engaged in producing, composing and recording music himself.
Konstantin Legostaev's VKontakte page
Konstantin Legostaev's Instagram page
Ruslan Masyukov
A native of Tver, Ruslan Masyukov, was compared by many to the famous singer Enrique Iglesias (39). After school, Ruslan went to study as a psychologist, but one day a look-alike competition was held in his city, where the young man was noticed and invited to work as a VJ, and after that he decided to try his hand at the “Star Factory”.
Ruslan was among the finalists of the show, and many predicted a brilliant future for him, but after finishing “Factory” he decided to go abroad. We all remember his brilliant hits “Arivederchi, baby” and “Aim”. Ruslan has a single album, “You and Me.” Now he has returned to his homeland and actively performs in the capital's clubs, and together with Yulia Boyko, the musician opened his own club d'Aragon.
Ruslan continues to record songs, for example his recent track “Angel” can be downloaded on iTunes. Today he also works as a VJ on the RuTv channel.
Official website of Ruslan Masyukov
Ruslan Masyukov's Instagram page
Mikhail Veselov
Mikhail Veselov (36) was born and raised in a family of musicians. He first appeared on stage when he was only four years old.
Since childhood, he took part in various television shows and participated in music competitions. Misha graduated from GITIS, and before “Factory” he already had a couple of songs, filming in advertising and even his own producer – Sergei Zhukov.
Today, Mikhail Veselov continues to make music and is a member of the cover band “New Gems”.
Official website of Mikhail Veselov
Mikhail Veselov's Instagram page
Elena Kukarskaya
Elena Kukarskaya (32), or, as Alla Borisovna called her, Kuka, was born in Tyumen. Elena's mother is a teacher, and her father is an oil worker. By education, Lena is a director of theatrical performances and celebrations, but since childhood the girl dreamed of singing and during her studies she often performed at various events, and was also a member of the KVN “Carbon Monoxide” team.
She learned about “Factory” when she was in her last year of study, and defended her diploma while on tour. After the project, Elena began to actively work on television and radio, and also continued to record songs. In 2007, Elena took part in a circus project in Bryansk, where she performed in a cage with lions. In the same year, she tried herself as an actress, playing in the series “Love is not show business.”
Elena has such hits as “Winter”, “All the best yourself” and “Queen”, as well as an album of the same name. Today Elena not only actively performs and is engaged in her career, but also raises her one-year-old son Fyodor together with her husband Alexei Krutykh.
Elena Kukarskaya VKontakte page
Elena Kukarskaya's Instagram page
Elena Kaufman (Mulganova)
Elena Kaufman is considered one of the most extraordinary singers in Russian show business. She started in the Moscow-Magadan group “Mission: Anticyclops”, whose producer was Leonid Burlakov.
At “Factory” she was radically different from the other participants, but this was what aroused the interest of television viewers, although she did not last long in the project. After the show, Lena began a solo career and released the album “I'm Breaking Away.”
Official website of Elena Kaufman
Elena Kaufman VKontakte page
Alexandra Balakireva
One of the most incendiary participants of the fifth “Factory” - red-haired Alexandra Balakireva (28) - since childhood she simply lived for music and loved the stage. From an early age, she began participating in various competitions, acting in commercials, and even played in the musical “The Canterville Ghost.” According to Sasha herself, she is a rather extraordinary person, but this is what made her stand out from others.
At the Factory she met and became friends with Victoria Daineko, the girls still remain best friends. After the show, Sasha began performing as part of the KuBa group and performed such famous songs as “Cat and Mouse” and “About a Little Boy,” but in 2009 the group broke up.
Today Alexandra is working on an album, composing music, but unlike her friend, she does not plan any changes in her personal life.
Alexandra Balakireva VKontakte page
Alexandra Balakireva's Instagram page
Daria Klyushnikova (Yanina)
Many had high hopes for Daria Klyushnikova (25), the youngest participant. A beautiful and talented girl could not help but arouse admiration. She performed as part of the Netsuke group, which included “manufacturers” Yulianna Karaulova and Aksinya Verzhak, but still she was not destined to become a winner. “Personally, participation in the Star Factory did not harm me. I gained the necessary experience, I made many acquaintances from show business,” comments Dasha herself.
After leaving the project, the girl tried to create her own musical project, but it never became popular. In 2010, a former participant in “Factory” and Dasha’s friend Konstantin Legostaev invited her to become a producer and create the “Dasha Neva” project, but this idea did not come true either. Today Daria is married to actor Alexei Yanin, who fell into a coma in May of this year. Doctors are still fighting for his life. We hope that he will soon recover and, together with Dasha, will put their son Andrey (3) back on his feet.
Daria Klyushnikova's VKontakte page
Mikhail Mironenko
Mikhail Mironenko (28), or Mike, came to the “Star Factory - 5” while still very young, but he immediately gained the patronage of Alla Borisovna.
Mike was born in Germany, but grew up in Moscow. Since childhood, the boy loved music, graduated from music school and tried for a long time to get into the “Star Factory”.
Starting from the second season, he went to auditions, but they took him only in the fifth. After the project, the guy met his childhood idol Andrei Gubin (41), who became his producer. In 2007, Mike recorded the song “If You Leave Now” and shot his first music video, which was aired on the most popular music channels in the country. Then came the “Trap” video, which was filmed right on Red Square! Today Mike works as a presenter, graduated from GITIS in 2014, opened his own holiday agency “Stereotype_off” and has matured greatly. We hope that he will show himself again soon!
Mikhail Mironenko VKontakte page
Instagram page
Aksinya Verzhak
The talented singer from Rostov-on-Don was born into a musical family, her father is a sound engineer. The girl loved to sing since childhood, and participation in “Factory” was a logical start to her career. Producer Maxim Fadeev decided to unite her with two other participants, Yulianna Karaulova and Daria Klyushnikova, in the group “Netsuke”. But after the project, the girl decided to pursue a solo career.
Today she not only records music, but also opened a recording studio, and the girl has also mastered the profession of a hair stylist. Aksinya is not yet married, but she has a lover, whose photos she often publishes on her social networks.
Aksinya Verzhak VKontakte page
Aksinya Verzhak's Instagram page
Miguel
Sergei Shesteperov (33), better known as Miguel , has always loved dancing and music. After school, Miguel entered the Choreographic School at the Bolshoi Theater and successfully graduated. He began performing in the musical "Metro", then in "Notre-Dame de Paris", "Romeo and Juliet", but in 2004 he decided to try himself in the "Star Factory" and became one of the brightest participants. He managed to get to the very end.
After the show, he began directing and staging numbers for concerts and films, such as “Hitler Kaput!” In 2011, Miguel managed to work with Lyudmila Gurchenko herself in the film “Legend. Lyudmila Gurchenko,” but national fame came to him when he became one of the leading choreographers of the “Dancing” project on the TNT channel.
Nothing is known about Miguel’s personal life, and judging by his Instagram, he is completely devoted to his work.
Miguel's Instagram page
Andrey Shumsky
Andrey Shumsky (38) came to conquer Moscow from Voronezh. He admitted more than once in interviews that since childhood he dreamed of becoming a musician. In his youth he played the balalaika and guitar. Andrei came to the Factory at a mature age - 27 years old, but this did not stop him from conquering everyone with his talent. Many considered him a quiet and calm guy, but at heart Andrei is an ardent and talented person.
He once admitted: “I went to the Factory in order to avoid those global problems that are now hanging over the whole world.” After leaving the project, Andrei disappeared from sight, he decided to leave the stage and went into business.
Kirill Garnik
Kirill Garnik (32) is from Odessa and has been studying vocals since he was 10 years old. In his hometown, Kirill was a real star; since childhood, he was invited to television and various competitions. At an early age, he began composing and recording songs, and then he created his own group “Mandarin”.
But popularity in Odessa was not enough for him, and Kirill went to Moscow to the “Star Factory”. Unfortunately, he was unable to stay in the project for long and, having dropped out, went into the shadows. Today, Kirill left his career as a musician and holds the position of federal judge in Kyiv. He is happily married and has two beautiful daughters.
Valeria Golubeva
The red-haired girl Valeria Golubeva (34), or Lerika, was born into a military family and traveled a lot as a child. Lerika's career as a singer began at the age of 18, when she was noticed by a casting director and offered to create the country's first female rap group. But when the album was already recorded, one of the participants fell ill and died. The project was closed. However, Valeria did not give up her dreams and went to the casting of “Star Factory - 5”. There she became known as a real brawler with a difficult character, and the only one who found a common language with her was Miguel.
Golubeva did not last long at the Factory, and after the show she went to travel to India. Today she works as a DJ and starred in a candid photo shoot for Maxim magazine, and can often be seen at parties in Saint-Tropez and Monaco. According to rumors, the girl got married and gave birth to a daughter in 2010, but nothing more is known about her.
Rodion Zabolotsky
Rodion Zabolotsky (33), or, as he called himself, Crazy Roger, became a real sensation of the project. The guy, originally from Kazakhstan, did not recognize boundaries or boundaries at all, and was a self-confident and talented participant. During the project, he even tried to win the heart of Vika Daineko, but the girl gave him a firm rebuff.
After leaving the show, Rodion stopped communicating with other participants in the project, and, unfortunately, nothing is known about his future fate.
Sati Casanova
Sati Casanova left the Factory group in 2010, but at the same time remained under the tutelage of Igor Matvienko in her solo career
Sati Casanova was distinguished not only by her talent, but also by her difficult character. Because of the singer's antics, conflicts often occurred in the Factory group. Perhaps it was for this reason that the girl left the team and took up a solo career. It is known that Sati Casanova became a vegetarian and devoted her life to spiritual practices and yoga. The singer can often be seen at social events, so it’s impossible to say that Sati has fallen out of favor. As for the personal life of the former factory owner, in 2020 she married an Italian photographer and played four weddings at once.
What the stars of the first “Star Factory” look like now
Winners of “Star Factory 1” group “Roots”
Nowadays, musical projects that discover new artists have become something commonplace. In 2002, “Star Factory” was considered a real breakthrough. Young musicians were able not only to perform with famous singers on the same stage, but also got their own hits.
The groups “Factory” and “Roots” still exist, albeit with changed composition. Fans remember both Mikhail Grebenshchikov and Yulia Buzhilova. For 17 years, the former participants have come a very long way, and not everyone has had it easy. Today the project celebrates another anniversary, which means it’s time to remember its main stars.
Pavel Artemyev
During his participation in the “Star Factory”, Pavel was only 19 years old. He received an excellent education in Italy, then worked as a model in Europe, but never gave up his dream of becoming a musician.
https://youtu.be/qjQpiVES-T8
Igor Matvienko quickly spotted Artemyev’s talent and took the young man to the “Star Factory”. There Pavel performed both solo and in duets with other artists. According to the results of the final voting, he became the winner as part of the “Roots” group.
Then endless tours began: hits succeeded each other, and the soloists of the popular group became idols of youth. It seemed that Artemyev had everything he had ever dreamed of. However, the musician himself later admitted that he did not experience much pleasure from performing the group’s repertoire.
“Just as I did 10 years ago, I have a reserved sympathy for the work of the Roots group. I respect Igor Matvienko enormously and will always be grateful to him for everything he did for me,” Pavel told StarHit.
In 2010, the artist decided to leave the group, which came as a complete surprise to fans. He put together a new team called ARTEMIEV, for which he now writes both lyrics and music. Of course, there is no question of his former popularity, but the star has his admirers.
Pavel Artemyev: “In show business everyone is trying to sell themselves, but this is difficult for me”
But Pavel has kept his personal life secret for many years. The musician was credited with having affairs with Irina Toneva and Victoria Daineko, but he reacted extremely negatively to the rumors. “I prefer to keep this part of my biography to myself. It’s not for nothing that this life is called “personal,” admitted Artemyev.
Alexander Astashenok
The main romantic of the “Roots” group initially remained in the shadows. When the song “Happy Birthday, Vika” was released, thousands of schoolgirls across the country fell in love with Alexander.
Alexander left the team at the same time as Pavel Artemyev. However, he decided to focus not on music, but on cinema. Already in 2011, he got his first serious role, and Astashenok still periodically appears in films and TV series.
Astashenok tries himself not only in cinema, but also on television
At the same time, the artist does not forget about the music. So, in 2020, he announced that he had resumed cooperation with Igor Matvienko. A few months later the song “Come with Me” was released, but it never became a big hit.
“Manufacturers” who disappeared from view: what happened to them
Alexander does not like to remember his former popularity. He spends his free time from work with his wife Elena, who is 13 years older than him. The lovers are raising a daughter, Vika, whom Astashenok named after the very hit that made him a sex symbol for teenagers.
Alexander Berdnikov
But Alexander still sings in the group “Roots”. The singer is quite satisfied with both the repertoire and the number of concerts.
Berdnikov came to the “Star Factory” when he was already 21. The artist had already performed at dance and song competitions, but thanks to the show, Alexander became famous throughout the country.
The singer’s personal life has also been successful: he has been married to his beloved Olga for 11 years. The couple has four children.
Alexander Berdnikov often goes out with his wife
In addition to performing with the group “Korni,” 38-year-old Berdnikov also gives solo concerts. In 2009, he also starred in the film “Hamlet of the 21st Century,” but that was where the cinematic experiments ended.
Alexey Kabanov
At the time of his participation in the project, Alexey was only 19 years old, but this did not stop him from demonstrating his creative abilities and captivating thousands of listeners across the country. In the Roots group, he was the most daring, and his images sometimes did not fit into the group’s concept at all.
With age, Kabanov abandoned flashy outfits and strange hairstyles. 17 years later, he still sings in the group “Roots”. According to fans, Alexey has changed a lot over the past years due to excess weight, but the artist himself does not seem to care about this at all.
Alexey Kabanov is not yet trying his hand at solo work
The musician spends his free time in the company of his wife Rosalia and daughter Alice. Recently, rumors have often appeared on the Internet that the couple is expecting a second child, but so far the lovers have not commented on this information.
Sati Casanova
Following the results of the “Star Factory”, Sati became part of the “Factory” group, where she worked for eight years. For the artist, collaboration with Igor Matvienko became a real springboard.
However, the singer's reputation was not always impeccable. So, fans constantly discussed Sati’s personal life. She was credited with having affairs with many colleagues in show business, and a few years later it turned out that the star was dating married billionaire Timur Kulibayev.
“Just as I did 10 years ago, I have a reserved sympathy for the work of the Roots group. I respect Igor Matvienko enormously and will always be grateful to him for everything he did for me,” Pavel told StarHit.
Sati Casanova always remembers the Fabrika group with nostalgia
The lovers met secretly for several years, and once the billionaire even gave Sati a three-room apartment in the center of Moscow. And yet, due to Kulibayev’s betrayals, this relationship ended in a break.
Around the same period, Sati left the Factory group. Many fans predicted the singer's disappearance from all the charts, but she was able to build a successful solo career.
Sati Casanova started planning her pregnancy
After several failures in her personal life, Casanova met the ideal man: photographer Stefano Tiozzo. In 2020, the lovers got married, and recently it became known that Sati was going to move to her husband’s homeland in Italy.
Sasha Savelyeva
At the time of her participation in Star Factory, Alexandra was 20 years old. The artist showed an interest in music since childhood, although her parents dreamed that she would make a career in sports. Thanks to the project, Savelyeva became famous and became part of the Factory group, in which she worked until 2020.
Savelyeva herself has repeatedly admitted that the other soloists of the group have long become practically sisters to her. “Factory” toured the whole country, but after the departure of Sati Casanova, the group’s popularity began to decline.
On April 17, 2010, Savelyeva married Kirill Safonov. The lovers often appeared together at social events, and in interviews they hinted that they were dreaming of a child. However, Sasha was able to become a mother only in March 2020. She did not advertise her pregnancy for a long time, and she hid the birth of her son Leon. Only later did the artist say that the heir completely changed her life.
Sasha Savelyeva does not show her son's face yet
Having become a mother, Alexandra left the Factory group. Now the artist spends all her free time with her husband and son. At the same time, the star does not deny that in the future she will definitely return to the stage, but as a solo performer.
Irina Toneva
At the time of the start of Star Factory, Irina was already 25 years old. Before becoming famous, she managed to graduate from the Moscow State University of Design and Technology with a degree in chemical technologist for leather and fur, and also worked at the Kuntsevo tannery. And yet, the love of music took over.
As a result of the show, Toneva joined the “Factory” group. She still performs with the group, being the only soloist who has never left it. At the same time, Irina performs solo and also appears in films and television programs.
Irina Toneva enjoys electro-pop music
But Toneva always hid her personal life from prying eyes. She had a relationship with VJ Yuri Pashkov and musician Igor Burnyshev. However, all these novels ended in separation. Irina found personal happiness only in 2020, when she married a dancer named Alexey. Now the 42-year-old star still often tours the country, while managing to develop other creative projects.
Maria Alalykina
Maria was the main favorite of the audience. She was invariably saved in the votes, and fans predicted a brilliant career for the star. After the end of the project, Alalykina became a member of the “Factory” group and even managed to star in the “About Love” video.
However, after just a few months of continuous touring, the artist realized that she did not want to connect her life with show business. She left the group to close the session, and then got married and changed her faith and name. The newly minted Maryam began to sharply condemn everything she did in the team. Together with her husband, she moved to a small town where she raised a child.
Maria has not communicated with journalists for a long time and does not maintain social networks
But Alalykina’s family happiness did not last long: already in 2008 she divorced her husband. According to rumors, the couple's child remained with his father.
It is not known exactly where Maria lives now. Someone claims that in 2020 Alalykina married a man named Mahmud and moved to Dagestan. However, other fans are sure that the former artist is in Moscow with her parents.
One thing is certain: Maria is translating Arabic texts and is not thinking about returning to the stage.
Mikhail Grebenshchikov
The charming, merry fellow Mikhail Grebenshchikov could never boast of a wide vocal range. However, this did not prevent him from taking third place at the Star Factory. The songs “Hug Dancers” and “Bulki” instantly soared to the top of the charts.
After the end of the project, Mikhail tried himself in different fields. He worked as a VJ on a music channel, acted in television shows and continued to write lyrics. But Grebenshchikov’s new compositions no longer blew up the dance floor.
Rumors began to appear more and more often in the press that Mikhail was suffering from alcoholism. In 2020, fans’ fears were confirmed: Grebenshchikov was fired from the Recital school, which was created by Alla Pugacheva, with a scandal.
“We asked Alla Borisovna to fire Grebenshchikov. Many were not satisfied with his work style. Misha could come to a lesson or a reporting concert in a “non-working” state, he would be rude and behave in a boorish manner. At my mother’s request, I wrote a song for a student, and then, out of the blue, I gave the composition to another child. Claims against Grebenshchikov accumulated for several months, we endured for a long time,” the parents of one of the studio’s wards told StarHit.
Mikhail is confident that his career has turned out great
The musician himself always denied problems with alcohol. According to Mikhail, he has no addiction. But troubles in the artist’s personal life really haunt him. Even at the Star Factory, Grebenshchikov introduced his beloved Katya to the whole country, who performed with him in all the numbers. This relationship lasted seven years and ended on the initiative of the star’s ex-lover.
Dana Borisova: “Mikhail Grebenshchikov suffers from alcoholism”
A few years later, the musician married a girl named Julia, but this relationship also suddenly ended in 2016. Now Mikhail does not advertise his personal life.
Yulia Buzhilova
Julia was Igor Matvienko's favorite. She not only sang soulful ballads about love, but also composed the lyrics herself. The only thing that prevented the star from breaking into the world of show business was natural shyness. Buzhilova never dreamed of fame and sky-high popularity. That is why almost immediately after the end of “Star Factory” the artist disappeared from the radar.
Julia does not regret the lost glory
At the same time, Julia never stopped creating. She wrote songs for Victoria Daineko and periodically appeared on stage. For the last couple of years, Buzhilova has been teaching vocals at the music academy of Igor Matvienko M.A.M.A. In rare interviews, the star says that he does not regret the loss of popularity.
It is known that about 11 years ago Julia became a mother, but she never named the child’s father. Now the singer still lives in Moscow and does not talk about everyday worries on social networks.
Anna Kulikova
The music that Anna performed was very uncharacteristic of Channel One. She loved punk and grunge styles, but for a long time she could not find herself in creativity. After “Star Factory,” Kulikova toured with other project participants, and in 2006 she became part of the “Kuba” group along with Alexandra Balakireva.
The girls’ songs “Little Happiness” and “Birthday” became hits, but the group was never able to gain a foothold in show business. Anna and Alexandra performed together for a long time, but later they began to work separately.
Anna rarely performs and practically never goes out in public.
Now Kulikova continues to engage in creativity, and at the same time teaches English and Spanish. In 2020, Anna got married, and soon her daughter was born. On social networks, the artist rarely remembers her participation in the “Star Factory”, but sometimes she still publishes archival footage.
Nikolay Burlak
Nikolai did not immediately find an area in which he could develop. After graduating from Star Factory, he tried to conquer show business for several more years, but then went to television. So, he became the host of a section in the show “Sex with Anfisa Chekhova.”
How did the fate of the participants in the “Star Factory” project turn out?
Then there were roles in films, but in 2012 Burlak already shot his first short film. The film “Boris” was well received, so the artist continued to direct. He took part in the creation of the series “Street”, and in 2020 he began working on his own project “Patriot”.
Nikolay managed to work with many famous artists
Nikolai does not talk about his personal life. Previously, he said that he was in love, but did not mention the name of his chosen one. In rare interviews, 45-year-old Burlak admitted that he does not regret the loss of his former popularity, because he wants to devote his life to directing, not music.
Jam Sheriff
This participant, originally from Nigeria, was immediately remembered by the audience. Before starting Star Factory, Jem worked as a doctor for several years, but still dreamed of making music. Thanks to the project, he gained popularity among listeners, but they never heard any new hits from Sheriff.
Cem devoted the next few years to trying to get into the Eurovision Song Contest. At first, he twice participated in the Russian preselections, but was inferior to more venerable competitors, and in 2009 he tried to conquer the jury in Switzerland.
Cem Sheriff with singer Lisa Z
Jam is still involved in music. He recently released his version of the aria O mio babbino caro, which he performed together with Lisa Z. The artist has been married for a long time, but does not like to talk about his personal life. In the absence of concerts and tours, Sheriff takes part in television shows as an invited guest.
Photo: PhotoXPress, Instagram, Legion-Media, social networks
Alexander Berdnikov
Alexander Berdnikov turned out to be lucky and took first place in the “Star Factory” project as part of the group “Roots”
The spectacular gypsy guy once broke many women's hearts. Alexander remained faithful to the Korni group and still performs with Alexey Kabanov and Dmitry Pakulichev, who joined the group in 2010. Alexander Berdnikov is married to a gypsy Olga, with whom he has four children. It is known that the singer proposed to his future wife two months after they met, and the wedding took place according to gypsy customs.
Participants of the TV project “New Star Factory”
NIKITA KUZNETSOV 19 YEARS OLD, NERYUNGRI Born and lives in the city of Neryungri. I came to Moscow for the first time on the day of the “Factory” casting, and has been rapping for 7 years. In 2 years he managed to achieve popularity in Yakutia and works as a bartender. He believes that he can influence modern show business with his rap music. As a child, he was very withdrawn; until the age of 15, Nikita had no friends and communicated with few people. Now everything has changed - Nikita got to the “New Star Factory”!
ULYANA SINETSKAYA 21 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW Ulyana is a romantic and a lover of life. Loves to listen and wants to be heard! Loves this planet and people. Inspired by travel and time spent with loved ones. I’m very happy, because she got on MUZ-TV in a great way!
SAMVEL VARDANYAN 24 YEARS OLD, TBILISI Samvel once sat down at the keyboard and realized that all his other interests had faded into the background. Now he writes music himself and loves complex harmonies. Favorite genre is soul. Samvel has no musical education; he taught himself to play the piano and vocals. He’s not good at reading music, but for him personally it’s not that important, because the main thing is to feel the music and love what you do.
RADOSLAVA BOGUSLAVSKAYA 22 YEARS OLD, ODESSA Joyful, smiling and active. Author and performer of his own songs. Rides a bicycle, organizes trainings. Radoslava was born and raised in a creative family. Mom and dad are theater actors. The younger sister is a choreographer.
ELMAN ZEYNALOV 23 YEARS OLD, ROSTOV-ON-DON 5 months before the wedding, Elman’s bride returned the ring to him, having left for Moscow with a producer to build a career as a singer. After this, Elman promised himself that he would become famous in a short time. His childhood dream is to participate in the “Star Factory” project, for which he is ready to refuse the most tempting offers.
ANDREY BELETSKY 25 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW At the age of 18 he graduated from music school as an external student. Worked as a guide-translator, builder, programmer, designer. I started studying music thoroughly only in 2020. He has his own rock music project, Anree Chess, and writes music for advertising and cinema. I am convinced that music and love will save the world!
ANYA MOON 21 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW For the last few years, Anya has lived in London. People often tell her that she is completely unsuited to life in the real world, that she has her head in the clouds all the time. Anya believes very much in the power of consciousness and in the fact that a person attracts to himself what he is. He has been singing since childhood, simply because he cannot help but sing. Writes songs to tell his story. He believes that the most important thing for an artist is to have his own unique style.
GUZEL KHASANOVA 24 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW The name Guzel translates as “beautiful.” Very vulnerable, emotional. Has a little prince tattoo on his back, loves John Fowles. As a child, I thought she was Kirkorov. When I realized that this was not so, I wanted to marry him. The first cassette in her life was a Britney Spears album. She won two beauty contests.
MARTA ZHDANYUK 24 YEARS OLD, MINSK Loves fishing, billiards, active lifestyle, travel. Incendiary, cheerful, cheerful, friendly. Marta knows what work is, and therefore she is sure that she came to the “Factory” for a reason.
MARIA BUDNITSKAYA 23 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW Born in the city of Bobruisk. She entered the state music school ahead of schedule, at the age of 5, although enrollment was from 7 years old. Maria is driven by music, love and a passion to constantly be inspired.
DANIEL RUVINSKY 18 YEARS OLD, KIEV Always on the move. Likes to sing, dance strange dances, laugh, the sea, Americano with milk, bright people, unexpected and thoughtless travel, funk and beautiful girls.
LOLITA VOLOSHYNA 17 YEARS OLD, ROSTOV-ON-DON A person who is in a mood, cannot live without change and music. It is very important for Lolita to develop and improve. If she wants something, she will achieve it no matter what! She started playing music at the age of 12 and has been singing since childhood. She plays the piano at an amateur level, but really wants to learn so that she can write her own songs.
ZINA KUPRIYANOVICH 14 YEARS OLD, MINSK The youngest participant. At all castings, Zina was supported by her dad. Loves hip-hop - both in dance and in music. Loves vocals and seals.
EVGENY TROFIMOV 22 YEARS OLD, BARNAUL Self-taught musician. Native Siberian. Brought up on live music. It has several multidirectional bands. Percussionist, guitarist. He dreams of conquering the Russian public by making Russian music with his signature sound.
VLADIMIR IDIATULLIN 22 YEARS OLD, ROSTOV-ON-DON A spontaneous person, does not like to plan anything, loves travel, interesting interlocutors and architecture. I started studying music under the impression of the film “School of Rock”. He dreams of saving up money for a house on the ocean and traveling around the globe with a ukulele. Plays ukulele, acoustic, electric and bass guitars. Writes music.
DANIEL DANILEVSKY 19 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW The guitar and he are inseparable, a convinced romantic, a Beatlemaniac. He writes lyrics and music himself, plays the guitar, and tries himself in films.
Alexey Kabanov
Alexey Kabanov remained in the Korni group and today successfully performs on many Russian stages
Alexey Kabanov sang a duet with Maria Alalykina several times, and many fans of the musicians hoped that they would begin an affair, but this did not happen. Like Alexander Berdnikov, Alexey Kabanov remained in the Korni group, and today the trio continues to perform on stage. Being a womanizer, Alexey often changed girlfriends, but in 2013 he married a modest girl, Rosalia Konoyan. Soon the couple had a daughter. Kabanov’s marriage was not smooth, because because of the singer’s communication with fans, his wife created scandals for him. The girl even decided to participate in the “Dom-2” project, but quickly returned home and peace was restored between the spouses.
Alexandra Savelyeva
Alexandra Savelyeva not only sings on stage, but also acts as a presenter
Long-legged and fair-haired Sasha Savelyeva was considered by many to be the most beautiful participant in the “Star Factory”. Then the girl was lucky enough to get into the popular group “Factory”. In 2010, Sasha married the popular Russian actor Kirill Safronov, and in 2020 the couple had a son, Leon. At the same time, the singer announced that she was leaving the Factory group and would build a solo career.
