Russian Music Award 2025: A Landmark Music Event in Moscow
Photographer Svetlana Holod, 13 Moons Studio
On 3 December 2025, Moscow hosted the nationwide Russian Music Award competition. The project initiators — Archie Stepanyan and Julia Geller — introduced a format that brings together established show business stars and aspiring vocalists who had undergone multi-stage selection processes across Russia.
A High‑Tech Show Venue
The event was held at one of the capital’s most cutting‑edge concert venues. The audience enjoyed:
- Dynamic lighting, synchronised with the music;
- High‑quality sound system;
- Video installations that created a ‘live’ stage effect.
The organisers emphasised:
“Our goal is to show that modern music is a synthesis of technology, emotion, and professional skill.”
Two Parts to the Evening
The programme consisted of two segments:
- Award Ceremony — honouring artists, producers, and music projects that influenced the industry in 2025. Awards were given in categories ranging from ‘Song of the Year’ to ‘Innovation in Sound’.
- Competition Marathon — performances by finalists from regional qualifiers. For many, it was their first time on a major stage.
Participants and Guests of the Ceremony
Photographer Alena Skripkaru
- Vadim Adamson (@adamson_media) — radio host (of Vinerget Show and Metaphysics 2.0 on Gold Radio), singer, songwriter, and organiser of music festivals. Expert of the National Association of Metaphysical Practices, parapsychologist at BRICS International. At RMA 2025, he served as a jury member.
- Alexis Skizar (@alexisskizar; real name — Alex Blinov) — musician, stylist, lead singer of the Alexis Skizar project. Graduate of Novosibirsk Conservatory, former opera theatre artist. Known for working with top artists as a stylist and for performing for the royal family in Bangkok. His repertoire includes tracks DIRTY LOVE and Winner or Loser.
- Fyodor Fedotov (@fedor_fedotov_events) — producer, director, event host, and catwalk instructor. Graduate of MGUDT and the Higher School for Stage Arts (GITIS). Works at the Perm Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after P. I. Tchaikovsky, where he staged Curlew River / Reka Kerlyu and Tosca. Jury member at international fashion weeks, host of Magic Fashion Week.
- Natalia Gulkina (@gulkina_natalia) — pop singer, former soloist of the groups Mirage and Stars. Graduate of GITIS (directing and acting). Participant in TV projects All Together Now! and The Mask (in the Mirror Man role). At RMA 2025, she received the special Voice of the Era award and performed an updated version of the hit Music Binds Us Together.
- Elena Solnechnaya (@elenasun.ru) — numerologist, psychologist, mediator. Regular expert on TV channels Pervyi, Rossiya 24, Moskva 24, TVC, and REN‑TV. Author of the Resource Square method, runs the Telegram channel Women’s Wisdom.
- Natalia Solovey (@natalyasolovey_official) — singer, composer, finalist of the TV show Live Sound (Rossiya 1). Grand Prix winner at the Making Asia—2015 festival and the Moscow‑Transit‑Gelendzhik—2015 contest. Graduate of Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (pop vocal faculty).
- Egor Kholyavin (@egor_holyavin_official) — former participant of the reality show Dom‑2, model. Known for public experiments with his appearance.
Photographer Ruslan Averkin
Event Outcomes
- The Russian Music Award 2025 reaffirmed that music remains a universal language, uniting generations;
- The industry is open to experimenting with formats and technologies.
The audience noted the emotional richness of the evening — from nostalgic moments to anticipation of new trends. Participants had the opportunity to make their mark on a national stage.