Anastasiia Konstantynivna Prykhodko is a Ukrainian singer, songwriter, and public figure who rose to fame after winning the Russian television project “Star Factory – 7”. She represented Ukraine at international festivals and competitions, was a finalist of the Eurovision 2009, and is known for her unique vocal timbre and strong civic stance.
Early Life and Family
Anastasiia Prykhodko was born on April 21, 1987 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Her mother is Oksana Prykhodko, her father — Kostiantyn Rybalov, and her older brother — Nazar Prykhodko, who later became a journalist and social activist.
From early childhood, Anastasiia showed interest in music. At 13, she began participating in vocal competitions and school performances. At 15, she auditioned for the girl group VIA Gra but did not make it through the casting at that time.
Education
Prykhodko received her musical education at the Kyiv State University of Culture and Arts and the R. M. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music, where she studied folk vocals. During her student years, she took part in international competitions, including the Festival of Arts in Bulgaria, where she won third place.
Career Beginnings: “Star Factory”
Her real breakthrough came with her victory in the Russian TV project “Star Factory – 7” (2007–2008), produced by Kostiantyn Meladze.
The singer stood out for her emotional delivery and folk-inspired intonations, which distinguished her from other pop performers in the show.
After the finale, she signed with Meladze’s production center and recorded several songs, including “Ty odna” and “Mamo” — the song that later brought her international fame.
Eurovision 2009: Triumph and Controversy
In early 2009, Prykhodko entered Ukraine’s national selection for Eurovision but was disqualified for violating the rules (performing previously released material).
However, representatives of the Russian selection noticed her, and Kostiantyn Meladze nominated her to compete on behalf of Russia.
The song “Mamo”, performed in two languages — Russian and Ukrainian, became symbolic: it told of a daughter’s love for her mother, yet was also perceived as a metaphor for relations between nations.
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In Russia’s national final, Prykhodko took first place with 25% of the public SMS votes.
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At Eurovision 2009 in Moscow, she reached the grand final and placed 11th out of 25 participants.
The performance sparked mixed reactions: some saw the bilingual approach as a symbol of cultural unity, while others viewed it as a political statement. Prykhodko remained undeterred, affirming afterward that she would always identify herself with Ukraine.
Music Career After Eurovision
From 2010 to 2013, Prykhodko performed extensively across Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Her popular songs included
“Liubyla,” “Odynochestvo,” “Ne liubi,” “Ia tebia liubliu,” “Molitva.”
In 2012, she released a video for “Istoriya lyubvi” (“Love Story”) and later a patriotic single “Heroi ne umiraiut” (“A Hero Never Dies”), dedicated to Ukrainian soldiers.
Gradually, Prykhodko distanced herself from the Russian scene and began positioning herself clearly as a Ukrainian artist and citizen.
Public and Political Activity
Since 2014, following the Euromaidan events and the outbreak of war in Donbas, Prykhodko has taken an openly pro-Ukrainian stance.
She refused to participate in Russian projects, ceased cooperation with Russian media, and regained her music rights.
Between 2015 and 2018, she performed for Ukrainian troops on the front lines and at charity concerts.
In 2018, Anastasiia announced her intention to leave show business and pursue politics.
In 2019, she ran for the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) as a candidate from the Batkivshchyna party but did not secure a seat.
She has since continued her public work and cooperation with volunteer organizations.
Personal Life
Prykhodko is the mother of two children.
She was previously married but keeps her private life out of the spotlight.
The singer upholds traditional values and actively supports Ukrainian culture, language, and the Armed Forces.
Awards and Achievements
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Winner of “Star Factory – 7” (2007–2008).
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Finalist of Eurovision 2009 (11th place, 173 points).
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Recipient of awards such as “Golden Gramophone Ukraine,” “Song of the Year,” “YUNA.”
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Unofficially recognized as a “People’s Artist of Ukraine” (based on media polls).
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Participant in numerous charity concerts supporting the UAF and veterans.
Style and Influence
Prykhodko’s music blends folk intonations with modern pop sound.
Her voice — a rich mezzo-soprano — is instantly recognizable.
The themes of her songs range from love and loneliness to patriotism and faith.
On stage, she performs with emotional sincerity, often singing live without backing tracks.
Recent Years (2020 – 2025)
In recent years, Prykhodko has actively supported the Ukrainian army, released patriotic songs, and continued public service.
Her recent singles — “Dobrovolets,” “Liniia zhyttia,” “Peremoha” — have topped the Ukrainian music charts.
She also collaborates with volunteer foundations and performs at charity marathons to help those affected by the war.
In interviews, Prykhodko emphasizes that her main goal is to preserve national identity and help those fighting for Ukraine’s independence.
Conclusion
Anastasiia Prykhodko exemplifies an artist who has journeyed from television fame to conscious civic service.
Her work mirrors her personal transformation — from mainstream pop stardom to the mature awareness of a performer for whom the stage is a dialogue with her people.
Her songs about love and freedom transcend popular music: they resonate as the voice of an era.
Today, Prykhodko remains a symbol of a strong, independent woman for whom music is not entertainment, but a way to speak the truth and defend her country.
