At 53, Kyiv resident Natasha Koroleva revealed the intrigues of Pugacheva

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Publiation data: 11.06.2026 21:34

Вначале юная звездочка терялась на фоне Примадонны.

Decades later, the "mermaid" of the Russian pop scene decided to reveal the bitter truth.

The love story of the "dolphin" and the "mermaid" seemed like a perfect fairy tale to fans for many years, but behind the glossy facade lay a real tragedy. The breakup of Natasha Koroleva and Igor Nikolaev's union is still shrouded in mysteries and ambiguities. Officially, the couple separated due to "faded feelings," but today Koroleva is ready to remove the masks. It turns out there was a third party in this story, and the name of this woman sent shivers through the entire show business. We are talking about Alla Pugacheva.

A Cold Shower for the Young Star

The relationship between Koroleva and Pugacheva did not start well from the very beginning. Natasha was not even twenty when she first stood before the eyes of the great and terrible Primadonna. Instead of the expected support and blessing, the aspiring singer received a harsh rebuff. Pugacheva, who held absolute power at that time, effectively issued a verdict on Natasha's vocals and image. It was not just advice but an attempt to erase the young competitor from the face of the earth, depriving her of faith in herself.

But why did Pugacheva take such a dislike to the young Kyiv resident? The answer turned out to be simple and cynical. Igor Nikolaev had been Alla Borisovna's "golden pen" for many years, creating immortal hits for her. When the composer shifted all his attention, talent, and passion to the young protégé, the Primadonna perceived this as a personal insult and a betrayal of national proportions. She was not used to sharing her favorites with anyone else.

Life Between Two Fires

"I found myself between two fires," the artist later confessed. "Igor believed in me and poured his soul into me, while for Alla Borisovna, it was like a knife in the back."

As a result, Koroleva began to be demonstratively ignored: she was not invited to significant concerts, her name was crossed off the lists of "Christmas meetings," and the doors of prestigious studios slammed shut right in front of her. The singer understood — this was the queen's revenge for her audacity and love for the maestro.

The marriage to Nikolaev, which began as a passionate romance, quickly turned into a test of endurance. The sixteen-year age difference, the mentor tone of her husband, and his constant touring distractions eroded trust. Natasha matured early, taking on the household and caring for her husband, but in return, she received only coldness and infidelity. At the moment when the family boat finally sprang a leak, Koroleva took a desperate step — she went to confess to her main adversary.

The Fatal Advice of the "Good Mentor"

A visit to Pugacheva for advice today seems insane, but back then, Natasha was looking for salvation everywhere. She directly asked Alla Borisovna how to survive Nikolaev's infidelities and save her marriage. The Primadonna's response was brief and venomous, like a snake's bite: "Leave. And see if he comes after you." It was the perfect psychological trap.

Koroleva believed. She left, hoping that her husband would rush after her, beg for forgiveness, and fight for their love. But Nikolaev let her go without making a single attempt to bring the "mermaid" back to his harbor. Later, Koroleva realized: Pugacheva knew Nikolaev inside out. She understood that he would not follow, and she deliberately gave that very advice that was meant to finally destroy the marriage.

Retribution or Enlightenment?

Today, Natasha Koroleva does not hide — it was indeed Alla Borisovna's intervention that became the detonator for the divorce. The Primadonna, feeling her power, simply removed the "unwanted" woman from the life of her favorite composer. And although Sergei Glushko later entered Natasha's life, she still recalls that story with a taste of bitterness.

The divorce of the "dolphin" and the "mermaid" became just a pawn in the larger game of backstage influences, where one piece of advice from an older colleague destroyed what had been built over the years. Whether to believe in the malice of the Primadonna or to chalk it all up to a tragic accident is up to the audience, but Koroleva has already rendered her verdict. She is convinced: Pugacheva intentionally intervened in someone else's family, demonstrating her power.