Biography
Who is Valeriya?
Early life and musical education
Born in Atkarsk, Russia, within the Saratov Oblast region, the singer was given the birth name Alla Yurievna Perfilova. She started her formal musical training in 1985 when she enrolled at the Gnessin State Musical College located in Moscow. This period of study provided the foundation for her professional artistic career. She successfully completed her education at this institution in 1990.
Shortly after finishing her academic studies, she began recording music. By 1989, she had already recorded two albums. Her first disc in the English language, titled The Taiga Symphony, was released in 1991 through Shulgin Records. This was followed a year later by a collection of traditional Russian romances called Pobud so mnoi, released by Lad Records.
Career trajectory and major awards
The musician gained early national recognition in 1992 by securing first prize in the televised competition Morning Star. That same year, she expanded her reach by winning the international Bratislavskaya Lira contest and earning an Audience Choice Award at Yurmala-92. Her discography grew steadily over the next several decades, featuring studio albums such as 1997's Familia. Chast 1, 2003's Strana Lyubvi, and 2016's Okeany.
Her work in the entertainment industry has been acknowledged through various honors. She received the title of Merited Artist of Russia in 2005 and later attained the rank of People's Artist of the Russian Federation in 2013. Her trophy collection includes thirteen Golden Gramophone awards and multiple accolades from Muz-TV, specifically for Best Performer and Best Video categories. Also, she was appointed to the Council for Culture and Art under the President of the Russian Federation in 2012.
Public activities and political involvement
Throughout her career, the performer has engaged in various public and political activities. In 2012, she was officially registered as an authorized representative for Vladimir Putin during his presidential campaign for a third term. She later served in a similar capacity for Sergei Sobyanin during his Moscow mayoral campaign and again for Vladimir Putin during his fourth presidential bid in 2018. Her public statements regarding government figures and domestic policies have occasionally prompted significant debate.
Her involvement in political affairs has also impacted her international mobility. In 2014, she was placed on a blacklist by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which prevented her from entering the country. In 2023, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she was added to sanctions lists by both Ukraine and Canada. These measures were implemented by authorities citing her public support for official government positions and her participation in events linked to the ongoing conflict.
Family and personal details
The singer has experienced three marriages during her adult life. Her first husband was Leonid Yaroshevsky, and her second marriage was to Alexander Shulgin. She is currently married to Iosif Prigozhin. She is a mother to three children named Anna Shulgina, Arseniy Shulgin, and Artemy Shulgin. She maintains a residence in Moscow.
Beyond her musical work, she has authored books, including an autobiography titled Tears and Love, published in 2006. She also wrote a self-help guide called Yoga with Valeriya in 2010. She stands 172 centimeters tall and is an Aries by zodiac sign.
Birthday and age
Valeriya was born on April 17, 1968, which makes Valeriya 58 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Valeriya shares the date with 62 other famous people.
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