Superstar! Battle of the Seasons premieres on NTV

On January 31 at 21:20, NTV will launch the new season of the music project «Superstar!» titled «Battle of the Seasons.» Artists who have already participated in previous seasons, including winners and finalists, will return to the show.

Each episode will be dedicated to a specific theme. Participants will perform both their well-known hits and songs in their own interpretations. One day will be entirely devoted to the work of Philip Kirkorov.

The jury evaluates performances with symbols: «fire» (2 points), «fireworks» (1 point), and «fizz» (0 points). An artist who ends up in last place for two consecutive episodes leaves the project. However, judges can unanimously save a contestant once per season. If there is no agreement, the participant can be supported by the studio audience — this requires at least 70% of the votes. The winner will be the one who accumulates the most points over all episodes. In the final, each performer will present the television premiere of a new song.

Ten artists from five previous seasons will take part in the show. From the first season, Irina Shvedova and Vlad Stashevsky are returning. «Not for awards, but for my audience,» the singer says. Stashevsky promises surprises.

From the second season, Shura and Viktor Saltykov are participating, who shared the victory back then. «I have such nostalgia — I missed working with the show»s team so much, it became like family to me! I want to take my image and performance style very seriously,« Shura notes. Saltykov is inspired by the opportunity to experiment with genres: »Expect unexpected musical interpretations and collaborations with other artists!«

Olga Zarubina and Zhan Milimerov from the third season are grateful for the chance at a rematch. «I want my performances to give viewers goosebumps and all kinds of shivers,» Zarubina laughs. Milimerov is ready to surprise with energy and cool numbers.

The fourth season is represented by winner Alexey Glyzin and semifinalist Anastasia Makarevich. «I missed the project. So it was a great joy that I was invited again, now to »Battle of the Seasons«,» Makarevich admits. Glyzin plans to surprise with new songs and arrangements.

From the fifth, anniversary season, Sergey Chelobanov and winner Ksenia Georgiadi are participating. She is grateful to colleagues for persuading her to participate two years ago. «I will try to seek new colors — it»s important not only to sing a song but to perform it in a way that touches the souls of the audience,« Georgiadi says. Chelobanov admits that he came primarily for the fans, not for competition.

Performances will be judged by TV host Lera Kudryavtseva, music critic Sergey Sosedov, singer Stas Piekha, and honored artist Irina Ponarovskaya. In some episodes, Piekha will be temporarily replaced by Kirill Turichenko from the group «Ivanushki International.»

All judges note that this season will be the most difficult due to the level of participants. «For us, jury members, this will be a new kind of judging, since all artists have already been on this stage,» Kudryavtseva says. Sosedov adds that «Battle of the Seasons» will be a dialogue with the past. Turichenko strives to maintain balance in judging. Piekha expects bright performances: «It»s as if tickets should be sold for jury seats — here you can see and hear better, at least.«

The show will be hosted by Natasha Koroleva and Vadim Takmenev. The latter reveals the intrigue: the project will be a bridge to a new series. «We invited two participants from each season to show what »Superstar!« gave them, how they have changed over time, what leap has occurred in their careers. They will return to remind everyone of themselves and prove that they are the best of the best,» Takmenev notes.