The universally recognized pop music prima has recorded hundreds of songs, dozens of albums; she has given thousands of concerts. She won her first Golden Key Award in 1966 in Bratislava. After that she took the first prize in Barcelona, A Golden Record from Cannes, the Grand Prix from Paris, two triumphs at the Golden Orpheus, and many more. In 1997 the International Women’s Association nominated her as one of the most famous women of the 20th century. In 1998 she received the Order of the Foundation of St. Nicholas The Miracle-Maker (Russia) for bringing goodness to the world. In 1999 she was decorated with Stara Planina Order for merits to Bulgarian popular music. Since May 11, 2006 she has a star in the Bulgarian Alley of Fame.
On November 3, 2006 the singer was awarded the Russian Order Catherine The Great. On December 5 at the National Palace of Culture took place the launch of her new album (number 34) entitled “Without Rules” – Golden Collection. She agreed to give an interview easily. It was much harder meeting her as all the time we found her in different places of our country. On the eve of Christmas she gave a two-hour concert in the concert hall of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and that was where our conversation took place too.

Mrs. Ivanova, how do you evaluate this recognition – being decorated with the Catherine The Great Order?
Very high. This is an award not only from the Russian Federation, but also from the Russian audience that has appreciated me just like the Bulgarian audience has. I am what I am thanks to them. Every time I receive an invitation from Russia, I respond gladly.

There was an anecdote: “Brezhnev – a politician from Alla Pugacheva’s time”. Most Russians will not be able to say who headed our country after Todor Zhivkov but they are sure to know who Vanga and Lili Ivanova are. What is your opinion of the relations between Russia and Bulgaria after the democratic changes?
I have an opinion but I don’t think I know enough about politics to discuss that. I think that in Russia there are huge changes in the positive direction. And this is something I see because I watch Russian TV very often.

Did you know that in the place of Russia Concert Hall you know well, a modernly equipped concert hall will be built and the prima donna of Russian pop music will be the director?
Russia Concert Hall is a favorite and a dear stage to me as it is to many singers who have had the fortune to perform there. In May 2005 I took part in a grand show “Friends’ Tunes” (åÂÎÓ‰Ëfl ‰ÛÁÂÈ). I have sung in that show at least ten times in the past.

The Russian people have long placed Alla Pugacheva on a pedestal. The opportunity to manage the hall is a worthy continuation of her artistic career. This news only testifies to the respect Russia feels for its stars. The Russian way of thinking is different as regards art and culture.

You have been singing in Russian, Japanese, Spanish, German and English. But how did you manage to promote the Bulgarian language all over the world?
I am a confirmed Bulgarian. I have never thought of living elsewhere. I have always sung in Bulgarian. I learned a song in the respective language as a courtesy to the hosts. In Japan I learned one Japanese song, in Russia I sang a couple of songs in Russian, in Germany – in German.

And what happened with your dream of opening a studio for young talents?
Much to my regret I have to say that among young people the interest in fast and cheap popularity seems to have greater value than the hard path of necessary schooling. Because in Bulgaria I have to do everything myself. As an example of great Russia I will tell you that there the state stands behind the first lady of pop music Alla Pugacheva with all its power. As in the implementation of the project for young performers. If my state backs me – we can do wonders!

We will no longer envy the great Russian market; Bulgarian showbiz steps on European stage and our horizons broaden. What are your expectations from Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union?
Throughout my artistic career I have never thought of peoples or states as close or alien. And this attitude will not change. I will present my art to all who love and seek it.