Who cares…
On August 23, the competition kicked off with a vibrant night celebrating the popular 90s show “Tramp.” This year marks the 50th birthday of Andrei Gubin, a distinguished Russian artist. Despite circulating rumors about a serious illness, he made a triumphant return to the stage after several years away. The songs performed that evening reminded audiences of his legacy and evoked nostalgia for the cherished 90s era.
Stars such as Philip Kirkorov, Sergei Lazarev, Grigory Leps, Lucy Chebotina, Alexander Panayotov, and Bogdan Titomir performed Gubin’s greatest hits. While their renditions differed from the original, they still encapsulated Gubin’s essence!
Audiences missed Andrei Gubin’s hits
Oleg Gazmanov, who recently celebrated 55 years in the entertainment industry, delighted the crowd with his performance. The 73-year-old People’s Artist of Russia looked as fit as ever, appearing on stage in a snow-white shirt and form-fitting gray trousers that accentuated his youthful figure.
Some fans later confessed on social media that Gazmanov, dressed in his costume, seemed ageless, as if he had not changed in over a decade. The beloved “jumper” Oleg Gazmanov, who dominated concerts and “Song of the Year” events in the 90s, was back again.
Irina Allegrova, the People’s Artist of Russia and only six months younger than Gazmanov, graced the audience in a floral-patterned dress reminiscent of luxurious gowns from exotic locales.
Allegrova’s colorful outfit matches her Sochi resort
At 57 years old, Philip Kirkorov dazzled in multiple outfits. He started off in a white lace suit adorned with an expressive baroque brooch, complemented by classic platform shoes. He then changed into a black T-shirt and flared trousers, finished with a wide belt featuring a gold buckle.
“The abundance of gold jewelry and shoes with metallic details elevated his appearance. It was a blend of rebellious style and imperial luxury,” designer Evgenia Vershinina remarked to KP.
Kirkorov is as irresistible as always!
His younger yet already renowned colleagues strive to keep pace with the People’s Artist. Performer Sergey Lazarev took the stage in a classic black double-breasted suit with crisp black lines, showcasing elegance and sophistication. The noble black combined with bright patent leather shoes exuded refinement.
“The vibrant corsage enhances the stage presence and symbolizes the singer’s fervor and masculine confidence,” explains Evgenia Vershinina. “This stylish look reflects Sergey’s three-minute performance, merging traditional imagery with pop elements, even hinting at theatrical influences.”
Sergey Lazarev and his captivating ensemble
Every singer who has graced the audience, whether it be recently “robbed” Larissa Dolina or the latest stars like Ani Lorak and Anna Asti, attempted to enchant the audience not only with their vocal talents but also with stunning ensembles.
This spectacle of glamour and sophistication showcased a blend of classic and contemporary fashion trends, merging aesthetics with avant-garde styles. Overall, fans of Russian pop music were thrilled with what they experienced!
“There’s an elegance to it, infused with modern, vibrant accents,” concluded the designer. “The flowing silhouettes and rich tones lend a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to the dresses and suits.”
Glamour and sophistication shared a stage
From Orero to Vilana
On August 24, the second day of the competition, a creative evening celebration featuring Russian Meritorious Artists was held Stas Mikhailov. His iconic hits, dubbed “Immortal,” were performed by artists including Nikolay Baskov, SHAMAN, Alexander Buynov, among others.
Following them were performances by Igor Nikolaev, Polina Gagarina, Dima Bilan, Lolita, Arzu, Angelica Varum, and Leonid Agudin. It was intriguing to speculate what surprises they would unveil and how they would outshine their fellow stars who had already performed on the Sirius stage in Sochi.
The competition jury embodies fairness
For residents of Sochi, the last week of summer has traditionally become a true festival of music and beauty. Additionally, the “New Wave” festival is a showcase for shining new stars who will illuminate the often treacherous path of the Russian (and beyond) show business for the decades ahead. The top performer of 2024 will soon be revealed!
As a reminder, the contest for emerging pop singers occurred in Jurmala from 2002 to 2014 and has been hosted in Sochi for the last ten years. Participants come from young performers throughout Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and even Africa and Latin America.
New popular faces
Over the years, numerous international stars have graced the event as honored guests: Sting, Ricky Martin, Stevie Wonder, Enrique Iglesias, Natalia Oreiro, and more. Notably, the very first winner in 2002 was the Russian group Smash, whose soloist Sergei Lazarev now returns as both a guest and co-host of “New Wave.”
This year marks the festival’s 20th anniversary; its popularity continues to grow annually, which is hardly surprising. After all, if the stars shine, it indicates someone needs them!
Who cares…
On August 23, the much-anticipated competition kicked off with a nostalgic evening themed around “Tramp,” a beloved culture from the 90s. This year marked the 50th birthday of Andrei Gubin, the meritorious artist of Russia, who made a triumphant return to the stage despite earlier rumors concerning his health. His performances stirred emotions, drawing audiences back to the cherished era of the 90s that many long to relive.
Star performers, including Philip Kirkorov, Sergei Lazarev, Grigory Leps, Lucy Chebotina, Alexander Panayotov, and Bogdan Titomir, showcased renditions of Gubin’s super hits. While their interpretations provided a fresh twist, the essence of “Gubin” remained intact, captivating the audience.
Audiences miss Andrei Gubin’s hits
Another highlight of the evening was Oleg Gazmanov, who recently commemorated 55 years of creative activity. The 73-year-old People’s Artist of Russia showcased his exemplary physical condition, donning a striking snow-white shirt and fitted grey trousers that accentuated his youthful form. Fans were taken aback, remarking that Gazmanov looked as if the years had not touched him, bringing back memories of his energetic performances from the 90s, a staple at concerts and the ‘Song of the Year.’
Gazmanov’s ageless performance captivates fans
The ageless star Philip Kirkorov, at 57, dazzled audiences in multiple outfits throughout the night. Beginning with a stunning white lace ensemble complemented by an ornate baroque brooch, he transitioned into a more casual black t-shirt paired with flared trousers adorned with a striking gold-buckled belt.
“His outfits blended rebellious style with imperial luxury,” fashion designer Evgenia Vershinina noted. “The heavy gold jewelry added flair, making his stage presence unforgettable.”
Kirkorov mesmerizes with his fashion choices!
Stepping up to match Kirkorov’s theatricality, Sergey Lazarev graced the stage in a sharp black double-breasted suit, accentuating elegance and sophistication. His wardrobe choice, combined with eye-catching bright patent leather shoes, showcased his meticulous fashion sense.
“The vibrant corsage contributed significantly to his overall stage appeal, representing masculinity and confidence,” explained designer Evgenia Vershinina. “It’s like a mini-performance in itself.”
Sergey Lazarev’s captivating appearance
Many performers, including Larissa Dolina, showcased their talents not only through singing but also through remarkable outfits that blended glamour with creative flair. Artists like Anna Loraq, Anna Asti, and others dazzled the audience with their stylistic choices, creating a visually stunning experience.
“There’s an evident elegance mixed with modern touches,” noted the designer. “Fluid silhouettes and rich colors impart a sense of classic Hollywood glamour.”
Glamour and sophistication grace the stage
From Orero to Vilana
The next day, August 24, featured a creative showcase honoring prominent Russian Artists spotlighted byStas Mikhailov. His iconic “Immortal” tracks highlighted performances from famed artists including Nikolay Baskov, SHAMAN, Alexander Buynov, and more.
The lineup continued to excite with talents like Igor Nikolaev, Polina Gagarina, Dima Bilan, Lolita, Arzu, Angelica Varum, and Leonid Agudin, leaving spectators in wonder at how they would elevate the performances after their predecessors on the Sirius stage.
Excitement fills the air as the jury deliberates
For the residents of Sochi, the last week of summer offers a vibrant festival of music and beauty. The “New Wave” represents a celebration of emerging stars destined to light up the entertainment industry for years to come. The countdown is on to see who will be crowned as the best of 2024!
Historically, this contest for young pop singers began in Jurmala from 2002 to 2014 and has now taken Sochi by storm for the last decade. Contestants hail from Eastern Europe, the Baltic region, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and even as far as Africa and Latin America.
Spotlighting new popular faces of the music scene
Over the years, many global stars such as Sting, Ricky Martin, Stevie Wonder, Enrique Iglesias, and Natalia Oreiro have graced the event. Notably, the first contest winner in 2002 was the Russian group Smash, with soloist Sergei Lazarev now a guest and co-host of the “New Wave.”
As the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to grow in popularity, underscoring the evergreen allure of music and performance!