Russian pop star Philipp Kirkorov has addressed swirling rumours about ending his producing partnership with singer Margo, telling fans not to rush to conclusions.
Speaking to the Russian television network Fifth Channel, the veteran performer neither confirmed nor denied widespread reports that he is concluding his professional collaboration with the singer, whose real name is Margarita Ovsyannikova.
Kirkorov told the broadcaster that his protege was already in flight and flying on her own, explaining that he had accomplished his mission over the course of three years working alongside her.
He emphasised that he remains actively involved in her career, noting that he is currently managing the promotion of her creative projects and guiding her positioning on the Russian pop music stage.
Producer partnership and song defence
Ovsyannikova is known to music audiences for her novelty pop track Kukareku. Kirkorov previously defended the release against public criticism, stating that he saw nothing wrong with the crowing vocals delivered by his protege and directly comparing her performance style to American music icon Madonna.
Background on Kirkorov and Russian pop
Kirkorov holds the formal title of People's Artist of Russia, an official state honour granted for exceptional contributions to the performing arts. A dominant figure in Russian entertainment since the late Soviet era, Kirkorov represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995 and has spent decades performing stadium concerts, appearing on television broadcasts and producing records for younger acts.
Ovsyannikova first rose to national attention as a participant on Dom-2, Russia's long-running reality television programme, before launching a commercial music career under the stage moniker Margo. Her high-profile partnership with Kirkorov helped secure widespread media coverage and mainstream recognition on television broadcasts and concert stages across the country.
Fifth Channel, which broadcast Kirkorov's remarks, is a federal television network based in Saint Petersburg that transmits news and cultural programming across the country. While online speculation regarding the future of the producing agreement continues, Kirkorov maintained that promotional efforts for Ovsyannikova remain under way.
