10 Best Russian Singers Who Left a Mark on Music & Culture

In the 21st century, Russia’s music scene has flourished into a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. From soulful ballads to high-energy beats, Russian singers are redefining the global music landscape, captivating listeners with their unique vocal styles and genre-defying sounds.

Curious about the voices that put Russian music on the world map? Let’s explore more about the iconic Russian singers, their unforgettable songs, and the accolades that solidify their place in music history.

List of Top Russian Singers

1: Alla Pugacheva

Date of Birth: April 15, 1949, Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Lyubov’, pohozhaya na son
• A znaesh’,vsio eshchio budet
• Mal pomalu
• Pozovi menya s soboy
• Bessonnitsa

Accolades:

• Ampex Golden Reel Award
• Golden Microphone award
• FIDOF Award
• Ovation Award
• TV Triumph Award

Alla Pugacheva is a legendary singer, songwriter, and actress whose illustrious career began in 1965 with her debut rock song, Robot, performed for Radio Yunost’s morning program. Renowned for her clear mezzo-soprano voice, Slavic musical sensibility, and a flair for blending Western aesthetics with Russian traditions, Pugacheva has rightfully earned the title of “Queen of Russian Pop.”

Her first studio album, Zerkalo Dushi (The Mirror of the Soul), released in 1978, became a massive success, selling 10 million copies worldwide. Throughout her career, Pugacheva has graced some of the world’s most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Olympia in Paris, and Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.

Alongside global icons like Anna Netrebko and t.A.T.u., Pugacheva stands as one of Russia’s most versatile and celebrated performers. With over 250 million records sold, her influence on the music industry is unparalleled, making her one of the most famous Russian singers.

2: Philipp Kirkorov

Date of Birth: April 30, 1967, Varna, Bulgaria

Best Songs:

• Prosto podari
• Zhenskie glaza
• Disko-partizani
• Ja za tebja umru
• Bez tebja

Accolades:

• Golden Gramophone Awards
• Muz-TV Music Awards
• Best Selling Russian Artist title at the World Music Awards

Philipp Kirkorov is a renowned pop singer and one of Russia’s most flamboyant and successful musical icons. He launched his career in 1985 with an appearance on the Soviet musical TV show Wider Circle and quickly rose to fame for his extravagant performances, charismatic stage presence, and ability to seamlessly blend classic pop with modern beats.

In 1995, Kirkorov represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song Kolybelnaya Dlya Vulkana (Lullaby for the Volcano), placing 17th and marking an important milestone in his career. Beyond music, he became a household name as the host of popular television talent shows like Fabrika Zvyozd (Star Factory) and as a judge on the second season of Music Idol.

3: Dima Bilan

Date of Birth: December 24, 1981, USSR

Best Songs:

• Believe
• Never Let You Go
• Na beregu neba

Accolades:

• Honor Awards
• MTV Russia Music Awards
• MTV Europe Music Awards
• Muz-TV Award
• Golden Gramophone Award
• ZD Awards

Dima Bilan is a celebrated Russian singer whose journey in music began with mastering the bayan in school and later specializing in classical singing between 2000 and 2003. His talent shone early when he competed in the first edition of New Wave in 2002, earning a respectable fourth place.

Bilan’s debut album, Ya Nochnoy Huligan (I’m a Night Hooligan), released in 2003, received critical acclaim and cemented his popularity in Russia. His rise to international fame came with his stellar performances at the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2006, he finished as the runner-up with his song Never Let You Go, and in 2008, he claimed victory with Believe, bringing the coveted win to Russia.

Bilan is known for his dynamic fusion of pop, R&B, and soul, making him stand out as a Russian singer.

4: Zemfira

Date of Birth: August 26, 1976, Ufa, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Snow (Снег)
• No Chance (Без шансов)
• 10 Boys (10 мальчиков)
• Crimea (Крым)
• Austin (Остин)

Accolades:

• MTV Europe Music Awards
• Muz-TV Awards

Zemfira, a rock singer, poet, and composer, began her musical journey at the age of five when she performed a playful song about a lazy worm on a local Ufa television channel. Her mastery of genres like alternative rock, pop rock, and indie rock has earned her a devoted following and widespread acclaim.

In 1999, Zemfira released her self-titled debut album, which became a sensation, selling 700,000 copies in Russia. Known for pushing artistic boundaries, she embarked on the Déjà Vu tour in 2007, where she reimagined her music with influences from jazz, ska, bossa nova, and blues, showcasing her versatility and creativity.

Zemfira’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics explore themes of love, loneliness, and self-reflection, resonating deeply with fans. With a career spanning over 25 years and over 3 million records sold, she remains a cornerstone of Russia’s music scene and a voice for a generation.

5: Valery Leontiev

Date of Birth: March 19, 1949, Ust-Usa, Komi ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Carnaval
• Augustine
• Valery Leontiev
• Dove

Accolades:

• Golden Gramophone Award
• Muz-TV Awards
• Russian Music Awards
• World Music Awards
• ZD Awards

Valery Leontiev is a legendary Russian actor, singer, and songwriter, who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. His journey began in 1971 with a standout performance at the Vorkuta regional competition Song-71, where he secured second place with the song Carnaval.

His exceptional vocal ability and electrifying stage presence center various genres, including pop, dance-pop, and rock.

With a prolific catalog of over 30 albums that have sold millions of copies, Leontiev has achieved widespread acclaim across Eastern Europe. Alongside Alla Pugacheva, he remains one of Russia’s most iconic pop stars, leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry.

6: Sergey Lazarev

Date of Birth: April 1, 1983, Moscow, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Electric Touch
• Alcosong
• Slow Mo
• Lazerboy
• She Said

Accolades:

• Golden Gramophone Awards
• Muz-TV Music Awards
• ZD Awards
• Bravo International Professional Music Awards

Sergey Lazarev got fame as a founding member of the pop duo Smash!!, which he formed with his friend Vlad Topalov at the age of 17. However, it was disbanded in 2006. Lazarev embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Don’t Be Fake (2005), which sold over 300,000 copies in Russia and firmly established him as a pop star.

Lazarev’s career reached new heights when he represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest twice, earning widespread acclaim. In 2019, he performed Scream and secured third place, further cementing his reputation as a powerful vocalist and charismatic performer.

Known for his smooth vocals and electrifying stage presence, Lazarev has become a staple of Russian radio and achieved international recognition, particularly in Eastern Europe. His ability to connect with audiences worldwide has solidified his status as a global pop sensation and one of the most famous Russian singers.

7: Grigory Leps

Date of Birth: July 16, 1962, Sochi, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Odezhda mezhdu
• Privet, zemlja
• Lucky man
• Poka

Accolades:

• Golden Gramophone Awards
• Muz-TV Music Awards

Grigory Leps has made marks with his powerful baritone voice and emotive performances. Before pursuing music, Leps served in the Russian Army and faced personal struggles, including overcoming drug addiction.

Leps released his debut album, Vremya Reka (Time River), in 1990, which became an instant success and cemented his popularity in Russia. Beyond his solo career, he has contributed to the Russian music scene by writing songs for prominent artists like Valeriya, Sergey Lazarev, and Zara.

Leps’ distinctive style combines elements of Russian chanson, rock, and pop, earning him the title of People’s Artist of Russia in 2022. His music resonates deeply with listeners, tackling themes of love, heartbreak, and life’s hardships.

8: Yulia Savicheva

Date of Birth: February 14, 1987, Kurgan, Kurgan Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

Best Songs:

• Siyai
• May Rain
• Ot Ego Golosa
• Visoko
• Devochka

Yulia Savicheva began her musical journey at the age of four when she performed onstage with the group Agatha Christie. Her rise to fame came in 2003 as a finalist on the second season of Star Factory, where her powerful voice and emotive performances captivated audiences. Blending pop with rock elements, Savicheva has established herself as one of Russia’s most beloved pop singers.

In 2004, she represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest with her English-language song Believe Me, finishing 11th, and also secured 8th place at the World Best competition the same year. Her debut album, Vysoko (High), released in 2005, received critical acclaim and further solidified her reputation.

Savicheva’s reach extended internationally when she performed concerts in Tokyo and Osaka in 2007, delighting audiences in Japan. With her heartfelt songs and unwavering passion, Yulia Savicheva solidified her position among the famous Russian singers, continuing to inspire fans both in Russia and around the world.

9: Tatiana Bulanova

Date of Birth: March 6, 1969, Leningrad, RSFSR, USSR

Best Songs:

• Tebya Lyublju
• Osen
• Starshaya Sestra
• Dlya Tebya
• Mama Moya Milaya

Accolades:

• Golden Gramophone Awards

Tatiana Bulanova rose to fame in 1990 as the lead vocalist of the band Letniy Sad (Summer Garden). Her unique ability to perform melancholic romance ballads, alongside catchy electro-pop beats and techno remixes, quickly established her as a star in the Russian pop music scene.

Bulanova’s soft, emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her a master of conveying deep emotion in her music. Over the course of her career, she has released 18 hit solo albums and earned the title of Meritorious Artist of Russia in 2004, a testament to her enduring influence in the industry.

Through themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, Bulanova’s songs continue to resonate with listeners, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her lasting appeal in Russian music.

10: Nyusha

Date of Birth: August 15, 1990, Moscow, Russian SFSR, USSR

Best Works:

• Howl at the Moon
• Do Not Interrupt
• It Hurts
• Higher
• Memories

Accolades:

• MTV Europe Music Awards

Nyusha began her music career as a teenager. She gained early recognition when she participated in the 2008 New Wave competition, finishing in seventh place. Known for her versatility, Nyusha seamlessly blends various genres, including pop, R&B, dance, and rock, making her one of the most influential figures in contemporary Russian music.

She holds the record for releasing eight number-one singles in Russia and has sold over 5 million records worldwide. In 2009, Nyusha released her debut single, Voyu na Lunu (Howl at the Moon), and in 2010, her first studio album Vybirat Chudo (Choose the Miracle) propelled her to stardom, earning her a spot as a household name in Russia.

Beyond music, Nyusha showcased her versatility by lending her voice to the character Gerda in the 2012 animated film The Snow Queen, expanding her influence in film and music industries and standing tall amongst the top Russian singers.