Alla Pugachiova is still one of the most well-known public figures in Russia. Respondents explain her popularity based on the following characteristics: talent (28%), charisma (5%), or unique singing style (4%). 12% of respondents mentioned her work ethic, strength, independence or other personal characteristics.

Some respondents (9%) believe that money is behind her popularity, with 6% attributing her continuing success to good sponsors and promotional support. 2% think that her popularity is based on connections. 3% of Russians believe that scandal and sensation help her maintain her popularity, and 1% of respondents think that she is popular among less cultured people.

The majority of Russians (55%) believe that Pugacheva has made a notable contribution to Russian culture while less than one-quarter of those surveyed hold the opposite opinion (23%). It is interesting that the share of those who love Pugacheva as a singer (46%) is noticeably smaller than the number of those who consider her contribution to Russian culture to be great (55%). However, 20% of Russians expressed negative feelings toward her work while 31% are indifferent. We should note that women were more likely to express their attitude towards the singer than men (56% and 36% respectively). Pugacheva is most popular among respondents between the ages of 36 and 54: 56% of them like her, while only 13% dislike her. Young people were less likely to enjoy her work; in this age group 32% expressed positive feelings and 26% negative.

The majority of respondents (54%) listen to Pugacheva when her music is played on the radio or on TV, while 39% are indifferent and 7% were unable to describe their reaction.

Many people (25%) say that they own her music (18% have no more than ten cassettes or CDs, while 7% have more). The majority of Russians (71%) say they have no recordings of her songs.

As for Pugacheva's public activities, people have more moderate reactions. 29% of respondents approve of her election to the Public Chamber, while 44% disapprove and 27% of respondents found it difficult to express an opinion toward this new activity.

Irina Shmerlina