Niko Neman: I have always been afraid of family life. Participant in the show “The Voice” Niko Neman: “I got to Leps thanks to his sister. Who advised you to sing the hit “I’m Free”

Arsen Nemstsveridze, much better known under the pseudonym Niko Neman, is a self-taught Russian singer who has already recorded studio album, perform a number of concerts and become a participant in the popular vocal talent show “The Voice”.

Arsen Nemstsveridze was born on June 5, 1983 in the southern city of Sochi. He is with early years He was fond of sports, namely freestyle wrestling, as well as other types of martial arts. In this field, Arsen achieved high results, and at the age of 17 he managed to pass all the necessary standards and become a master of sports in judo. Six years later, the future Niko Neman will add the title of Master of Sports in Sambo to his achievements.

When appeared the new kind a sport called grappling, which combines the techniques of all wrestling disciplines with minimal restrictions during sparring, the athlete became interested in it and in 2013 even became the champion of Russia. He also went to the European Championship, but his performance there was not entirely successful.

What about education? young man, then he never learned to sing and musical notation. After graduating from school, the young man entered the Sochi University of Tourism and Resort Business at the faculty tourism business, who graduated in 2005. But on this direction Arsen Nemstsveridze did not want to work, as he was inexorably drawn to the stage. And he begins to audition and participate in castings for various production centers.

Music

After another audition, Arsen Nemstsveridze was lucky: representatives of the newly opened Producer Center drew attention to his singing talent, and the vocalist became the first mentee of the famous chansonnier. It was here that he received his new name - the pseudonym Niko Neman.

The artist demonstrated true sportsmanship and hard work while working in the recording studio. He sang the same compositions countless times, achieving maximum results, trying to get closer to the ideal performance.

Niko Neman’s first song was the hit “I’m Flying Away,” which was composed especially for him by author and producer Alexey Potapenko, whom most fans of Russian pop music know under the name. This was followed by such hits as “Stolen Happiness”, “Another”, “You are Free” and many others.

In the fall of 2015, Niko Neman’s debut album, called “Even or Odd,” was released. The singer introduced the title song to the audience during International festival young performers " New wave" Moreover, if in the original version Niko Neman performed this hit independently, then on stage he sang in a trio with his producer Grigory Leps and a Chechen singer, also known under the stage name Sharif.

It is worth noting that the completely unusual a joint project Niko Neman and Gosha Mataradze “#REPOPER”, which combined Mataradze’s rap skills and Neman’s operatic vocals. Moreover, all the songs of this duet, of which the most popular were “Love from God” and “I Will Never Forget,” the artists posted for free access on the Internet.

TV show

By the fall of 2016, Niko Neman decided that it was time for him to become a participant in some kind of television reality show. The singer’s choice fell on one of the highest-rated talent shows, “The Voice,” whose jury, coincidentally, also included his producer. During the blind auditions, Niko performed “Calaf’s Aria” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Turandot” and quite surprised the entire judging team with a strong performance.

The point is that this the most complex work Niko Neman did not actually make a single serious vocal mistake. Not only Grigory Leps turned to him, but also, and. The only one who didn’t press the button was , who admitted that he really liked the vocalist’s performance, but he prefers not to include people with academic voices in his group. In any case, Niko Neman did not cheat on his producer and joined Leps’ team, with whom he hopes to reach the finals of the show.

Personal life

ABOUT romantic relationships Very little is known about Arsen Nemstsveridze. As the artist himself said, he has a wonderful wife who bore him a son. But the singer does not provide any other details about his family.

It’s interesting that a few years ago Arsen, like many wrestlers, had a huge body mass. When he decided to become an artist and ended up in the production center of Grigory Leps, they set a condition for him: to get rid of at least two dozen kilograms. And Nemstsveridze showed his fighting character in this issue: in a little more than six months he got rid of excess weight, losing the required number of kilograms.

Discography

• 2015 - Even or Odd
• 2016 - #REPOPER (together with Gosha Mataradze)

A glorious battle awaits the gifted wards of Grigory Leps. If earlier many were confident in Panayotov’s victory, now they doubted it. Neman, according to viewers, has no worse vocals. And the bright appearance of the broad-shouldered, courageous brunette did not leave the girls indifferent.

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Days.Ru asked Niko what his plans are for the final of the show “The Voice” and who he sees as his most dangerous rival. Since Neman is an aspiring artist and has not yet managed to acquire a set of stage masks, the interview with him turned out to be extremely frank and in some ways even touching. This is a rare case when we managed to get honest and detailed answers to all questions.

Niko, who is your most serious competitor on the show “The Voice”? Who are you afraid of?

Probably my most dangerous opponent is myself. If I overcome my inner embarrassment, not fear, but the embarrassment of the audience, the stage, then I will show a good level of vocals and emotions. If I don’t overcome it, I’ll remain an outsider. I mean the next stage. Panayotov sings well. Dasha Stavrovich sings well. Kapustin sings well in Agutin’s team. They are strong competitors. But most of all I am afraid of myself.

I came to the casting in Ostankino. Ten contestants came in to speak to the commission. We waited there for a long time. We arrived at about 12 o'clock, and arrived around 16. I started with a classical piece, which I sang at the blind auditions. Calaf's second aria from the opera "Turandot". Not everyone on the commission liked me, but most liked me. Thanks to this, I was accepted into the project. The commission included Yuri Viktorovich Aksyuta and other well-known and strict experts, music editors. Until recently I didn’t believe that they liked me. I thought I wouldn't pass. My friend reassured me that everything would be fine. And when they called me and said that I had passed the selection for the show “The Voice,” I was very happy.

How do you feel when you take your first steps on the stage of “The Voice”?

Emotions take over. To such an extent that at some point there was a feeling that my voice was simply disappearing. It sounded, but it seemed to me that it would just turn off. But somehow he overcame himself, pulled himself together, mentally said that he couldn’t switch off now, that I had to finish singing to the end, and it was at that moment that Grigory Viktorovich Leps turned around. And I relaxed a little. The tension went away, and when I was about to reach the climax, Gagarina and Agutin turned around.

Did you have any doubts about choosing a mentor or did you immediately decide to go to Leps?

Even if I saw Gregory for the first time in my life, if he were not my producer (it has long been an open secret that I have been at his production center since 2012), I would still go to him! Because I love singing rock and voice songs. I love to sing with passion. If we take Agutin, he is an amazing composer, singer and artist! And Gagarin too. But in terms of character and spirit, Leps is the one that suits me.

And now there is no temptation to ask Gregory what is your fate in the project?

I don't want to know in advance. I don't like this. I am such a person. I live for today, the present. I’d rather think about the good, that I can overcome my anxiety, that I can get through to the end, than, roughly speaking, they will confront me with a fact. Although, judging objectively, Grigory Leps himself does not yet know how it will turn out. 50 to 50. I sang well and moved on. If he sang poorly, he flew out.

The mentors pointed out to you the false notes a couple of times. Do you agree with them, isn’t it offensive to hear this?

Why should it be offensive? This is true. I heard them myself. But all these false notes come at the beginning of the piece, when I just start singing. It's all anxiety and embarrassment. We're not robots. Even Luciano Pavarotti played false notes at concerts where crowds of thousands gathered. And he once said in an interview: “I’m a human, I can do something wrong, I’m not a robot.” So is any other singer. If any artist says that he has never played a false note, I will not believe it. Sound is just waves, the vibration of chords, how can the vibration be even? There will still be a sine wave sound. And if you sang one quarter of a tone lower or higher, the human ear cannot distinguish this; only special equipment can. But the mentors told me true things. Just as it should be. Leonid Nikolaevich Agutin understands what he is saying. I respect him very much for this. Yes, all mentors in general. I look at them and see each one has an individual algorithm. If we talk about Dima Bilan, he gives more emotions. He loves emotional singers. The contestant may not even have a wide vocal range, but if he gives emotion, it touches Bilan’s soul. As for Polina Gagarina, she adheres to strict rules. A person must follow the notes correctly and at the same time give emotion. Polina pays more attention to vocals. Agutin probably also pays more attention to vocal abilities. And Leps is also a good vocalist, but he loves drive, so that heavy music has a good adrenaline rush. And when I go on stage, I already understand that I want to show what will please which mentor. But it is very difficult to overcome yourself on stage. It’s impossible to reveal yourself 100%.

Who advised you to sing the hit "I'm Free"?

Our mentor is a very understanding, democratic person. He came over and said, “Do you guys have any songs you want to sing?” I had two options - to perform Grigory Leps’ composition “Ice” or “I’m Free” by Valery Kipelov. I sent these two options as demos, and Maya Serikova, right hand Grigory Viktorovich, advised Kipelova to sing.

At the next test in "The Voice" I will sing classics. If God willing and I pass the next three, I will ask Grigory Viktorovich to include his own rap opera in my repertoire. My friend Gosha Mataradze and I combined elements of classical vocals with modern music and recitative.

Recently, the media wrote that Dima Bilan hinted in an interview about his possible departure from the show “The Voice”. Which artists or pop masters do you see as an ideal candidate for mentors? next season"Vote"?

Alexander Borisovich Gradsky is sorely missed. But, of course, no one can replace Dima Bilan. When I started participating in “The Voice,” I realized how good and talented a mentor he is. And it is important how a person conducts a program, whether he gains ratings or not. Dima is irreplaceable. No one even comes to my mind who could take his place.

At what age have you been singing?

I started studying with a vocal teacher at the age of 25.

Did you sing at an amateur level before that?

Yes. Vocal abilities were not discovered immediately. The rumor, of course, has been around since childhood, but vocal abilities developed, played the piano. The first time I performed was at my friend’s birthday party. I was 15 years old. I sang the song "Accident" from the movie "Sandpit Generals". There are these lines: “I started life in the city slums”... The guys liked it so much that they advised me to continue singing. I entered the music school. But I didn’t finish my studies. In my fourth year I was expelled for poor academic performance. I didn't cover a couple of items there. Then I studied with teachers.

There is information on the Internet that you were also involved in wrestling.

Yes, it was a long time ago, when I was young. I used to work professionally and perform. And now sometimes I go to the gym just to keep in shape. A habit has already been developed, there is a need for physical activity. If I have a free minute, I go to training. Sport has given me a lot. Both in terms of discipline and behavior. I realized that you should never give up. I leave all my worries, all my anger, all my frustrations in the hall. All negativity goes away along with sweat and energy. I leave training in a relaxed state and understand that I am doing well. Peace in the soul, complete calm. Sport helps me not to go crazy. But you just need to treat sports wisely and not overdo it. You need to take care of yourself because healthy man– this is not the one who has big muscles, but the one who has all the organs in order.

How do you see your future on the stage?

God grant that everything turns out the way you want. I see myself as a self-sufficient person whose favorite job brings income. And, of course, the most important thing is that people like my work. This is the desire of every artist - to delight listeners with his songs!

Do constant filming, rehearsals and increased popularity interfere with your relationship with your family?

I don't feel popular yet. How I lived ordinary life, that’s how I live. I have many friends and listeners in Sochi. They recognize you on the street. Yes, and in Moscow sometimes they come up. But I feel uncomfortable when they say: “Oh! And you are from “The Voice”, you sang great!” For some reason I want to say that it’s not me.

Can you name your idols in the world of music? What does your soul lie more towards – classics or rock?

There is no clear distinction. Eat individual works, which I like, which touch me. I listen to them and try to reproduce them. If it doesn’t work, then I just listen. I have no idols. I like Valery Kipelov, he has wonderful ballads “I’m free”, “I’m here”, “ Lost heaven"... There is Klaus Meine from Scorpi, Rammstein... A lot. And I listen to classics, tenors. And Franco Corelli, and Mario Del Monaco, and Mario Lanza, and Luciano Pavarotti. Naturally, I like Grigory Leps. This another story in my life. I sang his songs a lot. In fact, I grew up listening to his work. “Natalie”, “A glass of vodka on the table” touch the soul, and my favorite composition is “Ice”.

What advice did Gregory give you?

He once said: “Don’t go into show business, why do you need it?” At first I didn’t understand why he said that, but when I plunged into all this, I understood. He meant that there were a lot of obstacles ahead that would have to be overcome. That's one thing. Secondly, he always says: “Don’t fuss on stage, don’t.” He also advises practicing near a mirror, thinking through your every move and gesture. But it’s still difficult for me, I’m a former athlete, I still don’t have enough artistry!

But it’s great when a broad-shouldered athlete sings, and with such a powerful voice!

Yes, but people are used to seeing singers in other images. Many people believe that an artist should be graceful, slender, and beautiful. And not brutally beautiful. And then an athlete comes out with the gait of a wrestler. This doesn’t fit into the viewer’s mind. And then they go negative comments on the Internet: either it doesn’t give an emotion, or something else. When I play sports, I’m used to suppressing emotions. Under no circumstances should your opponent see that you are afraid or worried about him. But here it’s the other way around – people need emotions. It's not that easy to change.

So, it turns out that you read viewers’ comments on the Internet?

Naturally. I don't answer, but I read. I wonder what people say. True, I pay less and less attention to them. I'm probably starting a period of thinking about everything. Thank you that people are not indifferent; they could just pass by and something would offend them. Of course, I do not claim the laurels of Valery Kipelov. By at least, bye... I can even say thank you, because these people do not let me become arrogant. Can you imagine if everyone wrote how good I am? Maybe I wouldn’t have come to the interview then. So thank you very much to the commentators for always having someone to bring me back to earth.

What movie or book made a lasting impression on you?

I have many favorite films. I love historical paintings, psychological thrillers. I really like director Mel Gibson. Especially his films “Braveheart”, “Apocalypse” and, of course, “The Passion of the Christ”.

As for reading, I love the books of the Holy Fathers. They guide the soul in the right direction. This is a spiritual healer. In America, home psychologists are popular. But why reinvent the wheel? If you read spiritual Christian books, then everything will be fine. And there are answers and consolation to all questions. Only God can console you, even your parents can’t do that, because he is always with you, but your parents are not, and he knows all your secrets, you can’t hide anything from him. You can even deceive yourself, but not the Creator. And I also have a favorite book. Chabua Amirejibi "Data Tutashkhia".

33-year-old performer from Sochi Arsen Nemsveridze, better known under the pseudonym Niko Neman, made an indelible impression on both the audience and the jury of the show “The Voice”. Professional athlete sang classic- an excerpt from the opera, after which Grigory Leps took him to his team. Despite the fact that the artist is already known to the public for his hits “Flying Away” and “Stolen Happiness,” he decided to try himself in a completely different style of performance. The artist does not have a musical education, but he always dreamed of singing classical works.

“In “The Voice” I wanted to show a different me. I am known as a pop performer, but all my life I have dreamed of singing a couple of songs with academic vocals. Of course, I will continue to work in the usual manner, so I’m glad that in the project they will learn about me from a different perspective. Some viewers like my performance, while others criticize me. But I’m glad for all the feedback - indifference would be worse,” Neman told StarHit.

After the blind auditions, it became known that Niko is one of the wards of the Grigory Leps Production Center. After this, a barrage of criticism fell on the participant in the “Voice” show. Neman had to prove to everyone that he was on the project without anyone’s patronage, but only thanks to his own talent. Niko did not hide from Leps that he dreams of becoming a participant in the show.

“When I decided to go to “The Voice,” Grigory Viktorovich approved of my step, despite the fact that he foresaw a lot of dissatisfied comments, saying that the “Producer Center” was promoting its own. But he allowed it, said: “Please participate, if you want, show everything you can do,” the performer recalls. - I did not try to hide the fact that we have been working with Leps for four years - many already knew about this. I take criticism well. Of course, there are comments that hurt me, but I don’t respond - there’s no need to be like such people, to respond with evil for evil.”

Niko said that he met Grigory Leps in Sochi to celebrate the birthday of the producer’s sister. At the evening, Neman sang one of the songs, which attracted his attention. The “Voice” mentor invited him to come to Moscow and seriously engage in creativity. Despite the tempting offer, it took Neman about a year to take the decisive step - to leave his native Sochi and move to the capital.

"Initially I was afraid big city, I felt a little uneasy. And then circumstances developed such that my relatives moved to Moscow and they invited me to live with them for the first time. That's how I ended up here. After a while, I started renting an apartment myself. I often go to Sochi to visit my relatives,” Neman said.

A year ago, the artist married his beloved Sofia, and recently he became the father of a charming boy Ilya. Now the singer feels absolutely happy man, however, due to his participation in the project, he does not have the opportunity to often see his family, since they live in his hometown. Niko is glad that his wife did not persuade him to refuse to participate in the show in order to spend more time with the baby.

“She always told me: “Go to The Voice, why aren’t you there yet?” I appreciate this kind of support. My wife and son are still in Sochi. I miss them very much, so sometimes I even think that I won’t be offended if I leave the project - I’ll finally see my family. But I will still fight to the last,” reflects the “Voice” participant before the quarterfinals.

Niko admits that now he is often recognized on the street by fans of the show “The Voice.” Despite the fact that he has been involved in music for a long time, he gained wide fame during his participation in a popular project. However, the artist is not yet accustomed to increased attention public.

“I’m embarrassed or something, I feel uncomfortable, especially when someone comes up and the others turn around. “I attract too much attention,” says the performer. “I guess that’s what I was striving for, but it’s not how I imagined it.” I didn’t think that people would start recognizing me so soon. Very fast - I’m not used to it.”

Today Niko Neman will have to make every effort to take his place in the semi-finals, but he will not be too upset if he loses to his rivals.

“The main thing for me is to show everything I can do. If only the ligaments did not fail. Even if I leave the project, there will be nothing terrible about it. For me, the main thing is not victory, but participation. I am already ready for anything - both for defeat and for victory. I’ve been preparing for a long time, so it should work out,” Neman said about his attitude.

Niko Neman, aka Arsen Nemsveridze, amazed the judges of the Russian project from the very first notes. Last Friday he did a brilliant job in the "Fights" round. With his opponent Vasilina Krasnoslobodtseva, he performed the Queen hit “I Want To Break Free” and, having won the tour, continued to fight in the show.

ABOUT Georgian origin, participation in the “Voice” project, plans for the future, personal life, sports and who really drives it musical career, Niko Neman told in exclusive interview.

- Niko, good afternoon! Or what should I call you? Niko or Arsen?

- I don’t know myself. Probably Niko.

Niko, tell us about yourself. Perhaps for many viewers in Russia you are a more or less well-known person. Let's introduce the Georgian viewer to you.

- Start over. I was born in the city of Sochi. My ancestors are from Georgia, more precisely from Lechkhumi (Racha-Lechkhumi region - editor's note). My great-great-grandfather moved from Georgia during the reign of the Tsar. My father is also from Lechkhumi. Our relatives live there.

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- Do you visit them?

— We try to go there every year in the summer. In Sochi, I graduated from school and entered the Institute with a degree in tourism and resort management. He practiced judo and sambo. He performed in competitions and at the same time was interested in music as a hobby.

You are a ward of the Grigory Leps Production Center. Tell us how your acquaintance and cooperation with Leps took place?

— Let me clarify: I am the first ward of the Grigory Leps Production Center, in the sense that I was there even before the emergence of the production center itself. We met Grigory in Sochi at his sister’s birthday party. She introduced us. They had told him about me before, but he saw me there.

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- And did you hear?

- Yes. Saw and heard. He offered to help in any way he could. A year later I came to Moscow, and we selected songs for me. And only then the Producer Center opened, and therefore I became its first mentee.

- When did it happen?

— My collaboration with Leps began in 2012. Since then we have released an album called "Even or Odd". Videos were shot from this album for three songs.

- It was my wish.

- But Leps knew about him?

“I consulted with Grisha, he knew how listeners might respond to this. Here, they say, he is promoting his own, but he still agreed. But I didn’t tell him what piece I would sing. And that was a little surprise.

- What kind of mentor is Leps? Strict?

— Mentor Grigory is not strict. But he appreciates each participant and lets us choose the songs. Gives us some freedom in this. He sees that if the participant’s desire is strong, then he definitely tries to help. He tells you what to do in a given situation - in terms of vocals, emotions, and so on.

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“I hope this project will give me the opportunity to be heard and accepted by the audience, appreciated.” I also believe that this project will open the way for me to a creative life.

- Now the project is going on a tour of “fights”. Can you already name your obvious competitors, strong participants?

— There are no weak competitors there. Each is strong in their own musical genre and direction. Each has individual voices and timbres.

- Yes. There are a lot of competitors. Alexander Panayotov, Sardor Milano, Oksana Sergienko, Daria Stavrovich, Roman Bodzhiyan - the list can be endless. So it will be very difficult for me. I hope for good luck.

- How important is winning the project for you?

— Victory is not very important, but I strive for it. I will do my best to win.

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- Is this excitement?

“It’s passion and the desire to win. My desire. But I don’t know how it will turn out. There's nothing to lose. In any case, it is a great prestige to already be included in this project. He helps in creative path, recognizes you wide audience throughout Russia and beyond.

— I became interested in opera singing at the age of 24. Accidentally. Before that, I just sang myself, I didn’t learn from anyone. And at one point I decided to go to a vocal teacher to improve my skills. But I didn’t even think about opera. I found a teacher who teaches classical vocals. He heard me sing. He liked it and offered to enter the art school where he taught. He said that he would teach me everything that he could do, and he kept his promise: he instilled in me a love for the classics. Since then I have also been singing operas.

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- Is it possible that in the future you will connect your career with opera?

“Who knows, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to follow the opera path.” Wait and see.

- At the casting, the aria you chose sounded very impressive.

- Thank you! When I came to the casting for “The Voice”, I wanted to surprise with this work “Nessun dorma”. And, judging by the feedback from the project editors, I succeeded. By the way, my friend Gosha Mataradze (he is a rapper) and I decided to release an album “Rapper”, where rap and academic vocals are combined together. We have already released five songs. We thought it was interesting. And in the future we are going to record a couple more songs. Judging by the comments online, it's going well.

- What kind of music do you like and listen to?

- I listen to everything musical styles. I don't have a specific genre that I prefer. I love everything: from classics to modern pop music.

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- Do you have any idols in the world of music?

- Pavarotti, Corelli, Mario del Monaco - these are classics. From rock - Metallica, Scorpions, Rammstein, AC/DC, Queen and many, many other supertalents.

- You said on the project that you are very happy in your personal life. Tell me about your family.

— Last year I got married, and this year I had a son. This is an indescribable feeling! I've always been afraid family life, I thought that this was not for me. It turns out in vain. This is great happiness. I wish this for everyone!

- What do you do in free time, besides sports and music?

— As a child, I loved to draw, but as I got older I realized that it wasn’t for me. Now in my free time I sometimes read books.

- What genre?

— More historical. I love history, even though it is not an exact science. I love reading the history of the emergence of Christianity. Sometimes I read scriptures. This is interesting to me, like a balm for the soul. I learn a lot of interesting things and discover them for myself. I also like to watch educational programs. All this, of course, is not without physical exercise.

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- How was the pseudonym Niko Neman born?

- Mine sibling name is Niko. And when the question arose about what my stage name would be, “Arsen” somehow didn’t sound right. And I decided to take my brother’s name - Niko. And Neman - this was invented at the production center. From NEMstsveridze and ArseN: combined first and last name. It turned out Neman.

Have you mentioned your mother more than once during the project? Isn't she the main driver of your musical career?

— My mother is sacred to me. She is an economist by training. She put a lot of effort into my upbringing. He always supports me in everything, just like my father. You are right, it was on her great initiative that I came to creativity in general. But I can’t help but mention my grandmother, thanks to whom I started singing in the first place. I have a lot of loved ones who support me in everything. God grant that everyone has such people nearby.

- What about sports?

— Regarding wrestling: I would continue to train and compete, but injuries make themselves felt. And over time it becomes more and more difficult to fight... And the age is no longer athletic. But for myself, I work out and keep in shape, only in a gentle manner. Physical education is health and movement. That's life!

- What is the best way to address you - Arsen or Niko?

Of course, I’m more used to it when my name is Arsen - that’s my native name, but I’m also used to Niko. That's my brother's name, by the way. The pseudonym appeared in 2012, which I consider a turning point in my life. That's when I met. This happened at his sister’s birthday in Sochi, where I was also invited. At some point, congratulating the birthday girl, I sang, and then she introduced me to my brother. Grigory Viktorovich asked how seriously I wanted to study music, gave me my phone number and said that if I find myself in Moscow, I can always call him. At that time, Grigory Viktorovich’s production center had just opened. I finally arrived in Moscow a year later - at first I lived with my second cousin. And soon I was accepted into the Grigory Leps Center as a young performer.

By that time, I had clearly decided: I wanted to perform on stage. Music education I haven’t, and I’m not at all proud of it. At the age of 23, in his native Sochi, he entered the School of Music, but I was quickly expelled for omissions. My diploma is in another field - I am a specialist in the field of tourism and hotel business, however, I haven’t worked a day in my specialty.

While still in Sochi, I began studying with an academic vocal teacher. I didn’t study pop music - I’ve been singing like that since I was a little girl, as they say. But, having become interested operatic works, I realized that I needed to study the base and practice my voice delivery.

- In the presence of others, I address Grigory Viktorovich as “you,” but without ties we say “you” to each other. With his mentor in the show “The Voice” Grigory Leps. Photo: Yulia Khanina

I tried my hand at the second season, but didn't make it through the audition. Now I understand that I was not ready. By the way, I chose Calaf’s aria from the opera “Turandot” for the blind auditions myself. Grigory Viktorovich was very surprised later. He recommended some pop songs, but it was this aria that hooked me. And the editors asked me to perform it at auditions. And everything worked out. (Smiles.)

Viewers discuss what happens to the finalists of “The Voice” after the end of the project. Most of them are never heard from. Doesn't this scare you?

- Well, everyone definitely hears about Nargiz Zakirova, and about Anton Belyaev too. The point is different. - this is a competition, and winning it does not guarantee anything, you need to remember this. Don't give up and relax! While still in the process, you need to look for producers, financing, repertoire, and opportunities for performances. No one will do this for a participant, even a bright one.

You are a ward of the production center. Aren't you afraid of getting into bondage? After all, contracts often tie young performers hand and foot...

You need to read what you sign. (Laughs.) Agree, it’s logical that if a producer takes on the lion’s share of the costs of promoting a singer, he then wants to receive certain part income from it. It all depends on the degree of investment. In our case it's fifty-fifty. That is, half of the money belongs to me - I had savings. But Grigory Viktorovich, believe me, gives much more. He good man, always interested in business, congratulated me on my wedding, on the birth of a child...

-Have you recently become a father? Congratulations!

- Thank you! My son is three months old and named Ilya. I miss him very much, since I now live in two cities. While I'm in Moscow, he and his wife are waiting for me in Sochi. I have a big family and everyone lives nearby. In our house there are my parents, my brother and my wife and son on the second floor. Nearby is the house of my uncle and his family. I like it when all my loved ones are together, but I plan to move my wife and child to Moscow.

WITH future wife met on a social network. She liked my photos, and I liked hers back. We exchanged messages, met - and everything started to happen. The wedding was modest by our standards: there were 350 guests. It’s immodest when eight hundred or more people are walking! (Laughs.)

By the way, I wanted to be present at the birth, but my wife said: “Don’t you dare!” I won’t let you in!” (Laughs.) But I did a lot around the house: I helped with the cleaning, prepared everything for the baby’s arrival from the hospital.

With his wife Sofia and three-month-old son Ilya. Photo: From the personal archive of Niko Neman

- Don’t you miss the sea in Moscow?

I have never been to the sea in the summer for the last two years. When I was a child, my boys and I would leave in the morning and return home only in the evening. However, I learned to swim only at the age of 14. At the age of 12 I started training in sambo and judo. Until I was 25, I went to competitions.

- What sports habits remain?

Work to overcome and fight with yourself. For example, I love sweets very much, I am partial to cakes and pastries. And I feel that I have gained weight - I need to lose weight. This means you will have to go on a diet and limit yourself. Isn't this a fight? Yes, life is a struggle! (Laughs.)