Leontyev refused to perform at "Song of the Year", but took up corporate events

The singer explained his decision by the fact that he is tired of the "eternal squabble"

People's Artist of Russia Valery Leontyev refused to participate in the traditional "Song of the Year" festival. The singer himself announced this in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper. According to Leontyev, he is tired of the "eternal squabble" around the festival.

"I have not been to "Song of the Year" for a long time. And I'm not going to go. I'm tired of all this eternal fuss, squabble. Every year - either Pugacheva left, then Kirkorov left, then someone else. And then they come back. I can't stand it anymore ," Leontiev said.

At the same time, the singer noted that he continues to actively perform at corporate events. "I have a lot of corporate events. I sing what I want there, and I don't depend on anyone. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I just go out and sing. And people are happy," Leontyev explained.

"Song of the Year" is one of the most prestigious music festivals in Russia

The "Song of the Year" festival has been held annually since 1971. The best songs of the year are presented at the festival, and the winners are determined by the results of a nationwide vote.

In recent years, the festival has been repeatedly criticized for its conservative format and lack of new faces. However, the organizers of the festival assure that they are trying to keep up with the times and make the festival more interesting for viewers.