Philipp Bedrosovich Kirkorov — Russian singer, producer, actor, and composer, awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation (2008). He is one of the most prominent and controversial figures in Russian pop music. Loved by millions of fans and often debated by critics, Kirkorov is known for his eccentric style, bold personality, and unique approach to show business. He is an artist capable of turning every performance into a grand spectacle, and every song — into an emotional event.
Early Life and Family
Philipp Kirkorov was born on April 30, 1967, in the Bulgarian port city of Varna. His father, Bedros Kirkorov, is a famous Bulgarian singer, and his mother, Victoria Markovna Kirkorova, was a housewife. From an early age, Philipp accompanied his parents on tour, absorbing the atmosphere of the stage and music. He showed artistic talent as a child and dreamed of performing on a big stage.
Education and Early Career
In 1984, Philipp entered the Gnessin State Musical College, majoring in musical theatre and operetta performance. Already by his second year, he began appearing on television. In 1985, he made his debut in the TV program “Wider Circle”, performing the song “Alyosha” in Bulgarian.
First Steps and Meeting Alla Pugacheva
In 1987, Philipp toured Berlin as a soloist with a music hall but soon realized he wanted greater creative freedom. During this period, he met the renowned lyricist Ilya Reznik, who played an important role in shaping his career.
The year 1988 was a turning point — at an art exhibition hosted by Reznik, he met Alla Pugacheva. She invited the young performer to participate in her legendary “Christmas Meetings”, which became the start of his rapid rise to fame. Soon after, Kirkorov released his first music video, “Carmen”, and began performing actively at festivals and competitions.
Breakthrough and Recognition
The early 1990s marked the beginning of Kirkorov’s meteoric success. In 1990, he won the Grand Prix of the “Schlager-90” festival with the song “Heaven and Earth”. From 1990 to 1992, he toured Israel, Canada, the United States, and Germany. His album “You, You, You” broke sales records in Russia. In 1992, Philipp won the “Golden Orpheus” festival in Bulgaria and received his first major awards.
Peak Popularity (1993–2000)
In 1993, he received the Ovation Award and released the multi-platinum album “Say Yes to the Sun!” In 1994, Kirkorov represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Kolybelnaya dlya ognya (Lullaby for Fire)”. By the mid-1990s, he had firmly established himself as one of the country’s top performers. His 1996 show “The Best, the Favorite, and...” set new standards for scale and spectacle, while his 1997 world tour covered over 100 cities.
Awards and Achievements
- Five-time winner of the Golden Gramophone Award;
- Winner of festivals “Pesnya Goda” (“Song of the Year”) and “Slavianski Bazaar”;
- Recipient of the Order of Honour and the title of People’s Artist of Russia (2008);
- Multiple awardee of RU.TV, Muz-TV, and Fashion TV for his contribution to the industry.
Producing and Theatre Work
In 2002, Kirkorov acquired the rights to produce the musical “Chicago” in Russia, which became the “Premiere of the Year.” He later participated in producing musical projects, concerts, and television shows.
In 2003, he launched his own morning TV show, “Morning with Kirkorov”, on STS channel and became a frequent judge on music competitions and talent shows.
Personal Life
In 1994, Philipp married Alla Pugacheva, with whom he shared both creative collaboration and a close personal relationship. Despite their divorce in 2005, they remained on friendly terms. Philipp has two children — daughter Alla-Victoria and son Martin, both born via surrogate mother.
Modern Era (2010–2025)
During the 2010s, Kirkorov experienced a resurgence in popularity with grand-scale shows such as “I”, “Color of Mood”, “LOVE STORY”, and “Another”. He actively collaborates with young artists and producers, including Dava, Nikolai Baskov, and Djigan.
Between 2022 and 2024, he continued to tour actively, presenting updated versions of his iconic hits and appearing in major television projects. He remains one of Russia’s most in-demand performers, with millions of followers on social media and sold-out concerts.
Interesting Facts
- Listed in the Guinness World Records as the artist who performed the most consecutive concerts;
- The first Russian singer whose music video reached over 100 million views on YouTube;
- Recipient of more than 300 awards throughout his career;
- Known for his extravagant fashion style and love for creative collaborations;
- Actively engaged in charity and supporting young artists.
Legacy
Philipp Kirkorov is a symbol of the Russian pop scene, an artist whose work has shaped the taste of multiple generations. His shows, costumes, and songs have become a part of pop culture history, and his influence on the music industry remains significant to this day.
