The stage is set for a monumental return, as “VIA SuperStar!” – Russia`s premier musical competition celebrating the golden eras of pop – prepares to launch its second season. Following a successful debut filled with unexpected triumphs and dramatic turns, the show promises an even grander spectacle. Details have emerged, hinting at an intensified competition, a star-studded judging panel, and a renewed focus on vocal artistry. For fans of nostalgic melodies and high-stakes entertainment, the upcoming season is shaping up to be an unmissable event.
Expanded Ensemble, Elevated Stakes
The inaugural season saw eight revered musical groups from the 80s, 90s, and 00s battle it out, culminating in a joint victory for the “Belarusian Legends” (ВИА «Белорусские легенды») and “Balagan Limited” (группа «Балаган Лимитед»). For its sophomore run, “VIA SuperStar!” is raising the bar, welcoming **ten iconic ensembles** to its hallowed stage. The new lineup is a who`s who of Russian and Soviet-era pop, featuring:
- Araks (Аракс) – a legendary rock band from the Soviet era.
- Buranovo Grannies (Бурановские бабушки) – known internationally from Eurovision.
- Vostok (Восток) – a popular 90s pop group.
- Dynamite (Динамит) – a high-energy pop trio.
- Lesopoval (Лесоповал) – masters of Russian chanson, bringing a unique flavor.
- Sweet Dream (Сладкий сон) – Eurodance sensations of their time.
- Tutsi (Тутси) – a female pop quartet born from reality television.
- Singing Guitars (ВИА «Поющие гитары») – a classic Vocal-Instrumental Ensemble from the Soviet golden age.
- Brilliant (Блестящие) – a long-running and influential female pop group.
- RevolveRS (RevolveRS) – another prominent pop outfit.
This expansion isn`t merely about quantity; it signifies a deeper dive into the rich tapestry of Russian musical history, promising a diverse array of genres and performances.
The Gauntlet Intensifies: New Rules of Engagement
To match the expanded roster, the show`s producers have introduced **significant rule modifications** designed to inject more drama and demand higher performance standards. Starting from the second episode, the competition will adopt a weekly elimination format. The group with the lowest score at the end of each round will be immediately ousted. The scoring system remains whimsically themed:
- A “fire” (огонь) from the jury awards two points.
- “Fireworks” (фейерверк) nets one point.
- A dreaded “fizzle” (пшик) results in a zero.
In a twist designed to both humanize and heighten the tension, the jury will have a single opportunity throughout the entire season to “save” a struggling group. However, this act of mercy requires **unanimous consent** – a rarity among discerning critics, one might argue. Should the judges find themselves in disagreement, the fate of the endangered ensemble will pass to the studio audience, who can grant a reprieve with a 70% or higher vote. The ultimate victor will be crowned based on the cumulative scores amassed across all episodes, ensuring consistency and sustained excellence are paramount.
A Legendary Voice Joins the Verdict: Irina Ponarovskaya
Adding another layer of gravitas and glamour to the already formidable judging panel is **Irina Ponarovskaya**, a celebrated Honored Artist of Russia. She joins returning stalwarts: TV presenter Lera Kudryavtseva, the notoriously sharp music critic Sergey Sosedov, and the popular singer Stas Piekha.
“I quickly agreed to the offer to become a jury member,” Ponarovskaya stated. “Groups are what my life started with. The most important thing for me is to remain professional. All our participants have already passed a certain age threshold and are now reviving; it’s important to understand their vocal capabilities at this moment. I have professional skills, and, as it seems to me, I am a fair person.”
Her experience with vocal ensembles, as she highlights, provides a unique perspective crucial for evaluating the intricacies of group performances. Sergey Sosedov, a seasoned judge from previous “SuperStar!” iterations (which focused on solo artists), underscored the demanding nature of judging collectives:
“Here, the judging work is heavier and more interesting, because the numbers themselves are more complex. We expect multi-voice, voice arrangement, partnership. If a collective sings in unison and doesn’t have a voice breakdown, then it’s not an ensemble, because a vocal-instrumental group is, first and foremost, polyphony. There can be one soloist, but someone must definitely sing along and act in a certain way to create an acting ensemble.”
His emphasis on **polyphony** and **acting ensemble** highlights the technical and artistic benchmarks that the competing groups must meet to truly impress the panel.
Guiding the Gala: The Hosts
Steering the ship through these thrilling musical waters will be the charismatic duo of **Vadim Takmenev** and **Natasha Koroleva**. Takmenev, a household name in Russian television known for his work on shows like “Ty super!” and “Tsentralnoye televideniye,” brings a wealth of experience in managing live broadcasts and engaging with talent. Natasha Koroleva, a prominent singer herself, adds a vibrant and energetic presence, promising to keep the atmosphere lively amidst the rigorous competition.
As “VIA SuperStar!” gears up for its second season, it positions itself not just as a competition, but as a vibrant celebration of enduring musical legacies. With an expanded lineup, tougher rules, and an expert judging panel ready to dissect every vocal nuance and stage presence, the show is poised to deliver a spectacular blend of nostalgia, fierce rivalry, and genuine musical revelation. Prepare for the curtain to rise on a new chapter of retro pop revival, where only the most harmonious and engaging ensembles will earn the coveted title of “SuperStar!”
