Few artists embody the intersection of pop, activism, and resilience like Ukrainian pop icon Olya Polyakova does. A cultural powerhouse, Polyakova has captivated generations through the decades thanks to her boundary-pushing artistry, camp theatricality, and a catalogue of hits. Now armed with an upcoming set of English-language releases, she’s globalising her fearless creative vision, blending the signature techniques of her music, fashion, and cultural storytelling into a thrilling international chapter of her illustrious career.

Known for her extravagant presence, powerhouse vocals, and haute couture wardrobe—sky-high headpieces, Wonder Woman-esque body plates, and mesmerising catsuits are staples—Olya Polyakova’s artistry channels the fearlessness of Madonna, the showmanship and flamboyance of Freddie Mercury, and the optimistic nostalgia of ‘90s pop motifs: “The styles of the ‘80s and ‘90s remind listeners of a time when they could feel happy, in love, and full of hope,” she shares.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Polyakova is no longer just a pop star, but a symbol of defiance, a beacon of hope amongst the terrifying turmoil of modern warfare. Her music isn’t just mere entertainment any more; it’s a thread of crucial perseverance woven into the fabric of a nation suffering, and Polyakova—bold, unbreakable, a warrior for the people—delivers every song like lifelines. “As my country fights against a terrible, evil war, I could not stay on the sidelines,” she declares.

Refusing to retreat from the spotlight when her country needed her most, the artist has raised funds in partnership with close friend and Ukraine’s current president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, performed for troops, and kept the spirit of her nation alive through music. “I travelled to frontline areas, performed for soldiers, visited hospitals, and went on the biggest tour of my career,” she shares. “We sang despite the air raid sirens, sometimes having to run to bomb shelters two or three times during a single concert, waiting for the alarms to pass. At times, the electricity would go out, and we would finish our songs with only the sound of applause and the voices of the audience.”

Through global moments such as cathartic performances across the US, a striking sword-wielding spectacle at Pride in London 2023, and a powerful rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Polyakova has evolved into a megaphone for her country and human rights, personifying pop music’s beautiful duality as both escapism from the horrors of the world and a vehicle for justice. At a time when many artists, especially those in comfortable global pop circles, choose silence, Polyakova’s refusal to retreat is its own form of defiance.

As Polyakova puts the finishing touches on a new collection of English pop gems crafted with award-winning duo Red Triangle (Halsey, aespa, JADE, Louis Tomlinson), she is proving that Ukrainian pop belongs on the world’s biggest stages. With a growing international fan base and a presence that refuses to be ignored, Olya Polyakova isn’t just an artist: she’s an entire movement.