Ani Lorak
Karolina Myroslavivna Kuiek (Ukrainian: Кароліна Мирославівна Куєк, Russian: Каролина Мирославовна Куек, also transliterated as Kuyek or Kuek; born 27 September 1978), popularly known as Ani Lorak (Ukrainian: Ані Лорак), is a Ukrainian singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and former UN Goodwill Ambassador. Having received Ukraine's most prestigious and honorary title, the People's Artist of Ukraine, Lorak has been cited as one of the most powerful and influential women in her country,[1] as well as ranked one of the most beautiful women from Eastern Europe.[2] Ani Lorak reported the highest income of all singers in Ukraine in 2014.[3]
Ani Lorak Ані Лорак, Ани Лорак | |
|---|---|
 Lorak in Moscow in 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Karolina Myroslavivna Kuiek |
| Born | 27 September 1978 Kitsman, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels |
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| Website | www |
Lorak became known outside of the former Soviet Union after she represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song "Shady Lady", coming in second place behind Dima Bilan from Russia.[4][5]
Early life
Ani Lorak had a notably tough childhood. Born in Kitsman Western Ukraine, speaking Ukrainian as her native language, Karolina was raised by a single mother. At the age of 6, she and her brothers were placed in a foster home. One of her brothers later died when fighting in Afghanistan.[6] Karolina Kuiek developed the desire to become a singer as early as the age of four. She often performed at various school vocal competitions. In 1992, she took part in the popular contest 'Pervotsvit' and was the winner. It was here where she met her ex-producer Yuriy Falyosa. As a result, at the age of 14 she signed her first professional contract. Kuiek became known as Ani Lorak in March 1995 when she took part in a contest at the television program "Morning Star" in Moscow, Russia. There was a Russian singer with the same name already enrolled in that competition so Kuiek had to invent a stage name. Ani Lorak is the name Karolina read backwards. Ani Lorak moved to Kyiv in 1995. By that time her name was well known in Ukrainian show business. She became even more popular after winning the "Big Apple Music 1996 Competition" in New York City. She was named "Discovery of the Year" at the popular Ukrainian festival "Tavria Games" in 1996. The same year she released her first album "I Want to Fly".
1997–2011
Lorak continued recording new songs in 1997. Her two videos "The Model" and "My God" were filmed and the latter became a soundtrack to the movie "The Right to Choose". In the spring of 1998 her new video "I will be back" was shot and in December Lorak's second album "I will be back" was released. Mastering of this album took place in New York. Simultaneously her two music videos "Oh my love" and "A Stranger's City" were filmed to accompany her new album. At the outset of 1999 she started extensive touring, performing in the US, France, Germany, Hungary, and her concerts took place in every major city of Ukraine. In 1999 she earned the title of the Honoured Artist of Ukraine.[7]
In the spring of 2000 Ani Lorak recorded the soundtrack for an advert for the Chocolate "Korona" at the London studio "Astoria". Here, the singer met British composers Burrie Guard and Josh Phillips. Also, in London Lorak recorded new songs. In 2004-2005 Ani Lorak was a UN Good Will Ambassador in Ukraine for HIV/AIDS.
In October 2009, Lorak was ranked 41st in a top 100 of "most influential women in Ukraine" compiled by experts for the Ukrainian magazine Focus.[8]
Business ventures
In 2005, Ani Lorak and her fiancé Murat opened the Angel Lounge, a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine in the center of Kyiv.[9] In 2009, they opened a Ukrainian travel agency called "Holiday Travel", which is a sub-division of "Turtess Travel", a company Murat works for.[10] In 2010, Lorak became an Oriflame advert. She participated in several catalogues and developed a new fragrance called Chiffon by Ani Lorak.[11]
In 2011, Lorak was announced the fifth richest singer in Ukraine, with her team's revenues amounting to $2.35 million that year. Her typical fee is $25,000-$40,000 per concert.[12]
In 2014 the singer was criticised in Ukraine for having accepted awards in Russia while Ukraine had conflicts with Russia. Lorak then told reporters that she was a true Ukrainian patriot and loved her country dearly, advising her critics to “go and join [the] Anti-Terror Operation”
Personal life
On 21 August 2009 Lorak married her longtime Turkish fiancé and manager Murat Nalçacıoğlu, whom she met in 2003 when vacationing in Turkey.[13] Murat Nalçacıoğlu, is a Turkish hotel manager and travel agent. Lorak confirmed her pregnancy at the end of November 2010.[14] Their daughter, Sophia, was born on 9 June 2011.[15] She and her family lived in a house on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine but frequently travel to Turkey. The couple's marriage was officially annulled in January 2019.[16]
Eurovision
2005
In 2005, Ani Lorak made her first attempt to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest and was virtually certain to sing the home country's entry in Kyiv, but ultimately failed to be selected. Her narrow defeat in the 2005 national pre-selection competition was particularly controversial, given that the winners, GreenJolly, did not have to qualify for the final by winning one of the fifteen preliminary heats (unlike her). Lorak finished in second place in the Ukrainian national final with the song A Little Shot Of Love.
2008
Having come close to singing the home country's entry in 2005, when Ukraine staged the Eurovision Song Contest, Ukrainian television NTU announced in late December that Ani Lorak, one of the country's most successful singers would represent the country at Eurovision in Belgrade and that the public and a jury would choose the song.[17] On 23 February, Ani performed five potential entries, in a special show and the winner, chosen by both the public and by the jury was "Shady Lady",[18] written by Greek composer and producer Dimitris Kontopoulos, also known in the Eurovision bubble.
She also recorded a Russian version of her Eurovision song "Shady Lady" with the title "S neba v nebo". Ani had visited other countries to present her song, like Malta, Russia, Bulgaria, Spain and Germany. At the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, she sang the song "Shady Lady" in the second semi final on 23 May 2008, winning a place in the final. She took the second place in the final after Dima Bilan. She was awarded a prize for being the Best Artist at the contest from the media. Italian designer Roberto Cavalli designed a dress for Ani Lorak performance at the festival. The ornate dress was made with Swarovski Diamonds, and her choreography produced by Fokas Evangelinos who designed the stage show for her entry. He also arranged the stage shows of Greece 2005, Russia 2006 and Belarus 2007.
Charity
Lorak spends a lot of time on charitable activities. Since 2004-2005 Lorak has been a UN Goodwill Ambassador on HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. UNICEF and UN in Ukraine have awarded a commendation to Lorak for assistance and help to HIV positive citizens of Ukraine. In 2005, Lorak was conferred with the St. Stanislav Order of the 4th degree and the Officer's Cross "for strengthening the international authority of Ukraine, for the high professionalism, great creative achievements, charity and adherence to the ideals of chivalry".[19]
Albums
| Album Title | English translation | Year |
|---|---|---|
| За мечтой | For the dream | 2019 |
| Разве ты любил | Didn't you love me | 2016 |
| Зажигай сердце | Light heart | 2013 |
| Солнце | Sun | 2009 |
| Shady lady | - | 2008 |
| 15 | 15 | 2007 |
| Розкажи... | Tell me... | 2006 |
| Smile | – | 2005 |
| Ані Лорак | Ani Lorak | 2004 |
| REMIX Мрій про мене | REMIX Dream about me | 2003 |
| Там, де ти є... | There where you are... | 2001 |
| www.anilorak.com | – | 2000 |
| Ангел Мрій Моїх | Dream Angel | 1999 |
| Я вернусь | I will return | 1998 |
| Хочу летать | I want to fly | 1996 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Russia | Sweden | ||||
| 1998 | "Ya Vernus'" | — | — | — | ||
| 2000 | "Zerkala" | 1 | — | — | ||
| 2001 | "Tam, De Ty Ye" | — | — | — | ||
| "Poludneva Speka" | — | — | — | |||
| "Potsiluy" | 5 | — | — | |||
| 2004 | "Moi Bazhannya" | — | — | — | ||
| "Try Zvychnyh Slova" | — | — | — | |||
| "Mriy Pro Mene" | — | — | — | |||
| 2005 | "A Little Shot Of Love " | 18 | 10 | — | ||
| "Car Song" | — | — | — | |||
| "100 kisses" with Oleksandr Ponomaryov |
3 | — | — | |||
| "Smile" | — | — | — | |||
| 2006 | "Розкажи" "Tell me" |
4 | — | — | ||
| 2007 | "Верни мою любовь" "Return my love" feat. V. Meladze |
2 | 37 | — | ||
| "С первого взгляда" "From first view" |
— | 4 | — | |||
| "Я с тобой" "I'm with you" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2008 | "Shady Lady" (Eurovision entry) | 1 | 21 | 57 | ||
| "Я стану морем" "I will become the sea" |
2 | — | — | |||
| "Солнце" "Sun" |
1 | 1 | — | |||
| 2009 | "А дальше…" "And More..." |
1 | 10 | — | ||
| 2010 | "Небеса - ладони" "Heaven - palm" |
19 | 15 | — | ||
| "Нежность рассвета" "Tenderness of a dawn" |
15 | 32 | — | |||
| "Для тебя" "For you" |
1 | 1 | — | |||
| 2011 | "Спроси" "Ask" |
45 | — | — | ||
| "Не дели любовь" "Don't Divide Love" |
45 | — | — | |||
| "Я буду солнцем" "I Will Be the Sun" |
45 | — | — | |||
| 2012 | "Обними меня крепче" "Hold Me Tight" |
— | — | — | ||
| "Обними меня" "Hold Me" |
— | — | — | |||
| "Зажигай сердце" "Kindle the Heart" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2013 | "Оранжевые сны" "Orange dreams" |
1 | 15 | — | ||
| "Забирай рай" "Take paradise" |
— | — | — | |||
| "Зеркала (feat. Grigory Leps)" "Mirrors (feat. Grigory Leps)" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2014 | "Медленно" "Slowly" |
— | — | — | ||
| 2015 | "Корабли" "Ships" |
— | — | — | ||
| "Осенняя любовь" "Autumn love" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2016 | "Удержи мое сердце" "Hold my heart" |
— | — | — | ||
| "Уходи по-английски" "Go in English style" |
— | — | — | |||
| "Разве ты любил" "Didn't you love me" |
— | — | — | |||
| "Я не могу сказать (feat. Emin Agalarov)" "I can't say (feat. Emin Agalarov)" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2017 | "Ты еще любишь" "Do you still love me" |
— | — | — | ||
| "Сопрано (feat. Mot)" "Soprano" (feat. Mot) |
— | — | — | |||
| "Проститься (feat. Emin Agalarov)" "Sorry (feat. Emin Agalarov)" |
— | — | — | |||
| "Новый бывший" "New ex-boyfriend" |
— | — | — | |||
| 2018 | "Сумасшедшая" "Crazy" |
— | — | — | ||
| "Сон" | — | — | — | |||
| 2019 | "Я тебя ждала" | — | — | — | ||
| "Я в любви" | — | — | — | |||
| 2020 | "Я бы летала" | |||||
| "Обещаю" | ||||||
| "Твоей любимой" | ||||||
Awards
1994
- First prize of the international festival Veselad (Kyiv).
- First prize of the international festival Dolia (Chernivtsi).
1995
- Winner of the "Morning Star" television contest (Moscow).
- Second prize of the all-Ukrainian festival "Chervona Ruta" (Sevastopol).
1996
- Winner of the Super Final of the "Morning Star" television contest (Moscow).
- Winner in the "Finding of 1995" nomination of the "Tavriyski Igry" festival.
- Grand-Prix winner of the global competition of young performers "Big Apple Music-96" (New York).
1997
- Prize-winner of the "Song-97" festival (Moscow, Kyiv).
- Winner of the Grand-Prix of the President of Ukraine following the results of the all-Ukrainian festival "Song Vernissage-97".
1998
- Award winner in the "Singer of the Year" and "Pop Music of the Year" nominations of the "Tavriyski Igry-98" festival.
2001
- Award winner in the nomination "Singer of the Year" of the "Tavriyski Igry-2001" festival.
- "Ani Lorak Nazavzhdy" [Ani Lorak Forever] recognized as the best Ukrainian musical film of 2000.
2002
- The CD 'Tam de ty ye…' becomes Gold.
- Ani enters the Top 100 list of the sexiest women of the world.
- Ani Lorak recognized as "The Best Singer of the Year" on the "Tavriyski Igry-2002" festival.
2003
- Winner in the "Singer of the Year" nomination of the "Tavriyski Igry-2003" festival (Ukraine).
- Recognized as the "Singer of the Year 2002" by the ELLE magazine.
2004
- "Singer of the Year 2003", UBN Awards, UK.
- "Singer of the Year 2003" according to the ELLE magazine.
- Gold Disc for the "Ani Lorak" album.
2005
- Ani Lorak's composition "Мriy pro mene" [Dream about me] recognized as the best song of 2004 at the "Zolotoy Gramofon" [Golden Gramophone] contest.
- The composition of Ani Lorak "Try zvychnyh slova" [Three usual words] recognized as the best song of 2004 - at the "Zolota Zharptytsia" [Golden Firebird] competition.
- Ani Lorak recognized as the best singer of 2004. Audience Choice Award "Zolota Zharptytsia".
2006
- Ani Lorak wins the international music award "Zolota Sharmanka" [Gold Sharmanka] for the song "Rozkazhy" [Tell me].
- Ani Lorak recognised as the most beautiful woman of Ukraine by the readers of the VIVA magazine.
- The "Rozkazhy…" album becomes Gold according to sales results.
2008
- In May 2008, Ani Lorak became the silver prize winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008.
- Received the "Artistic Award Eurovision Song Contest", which is awarded to the best artist of the contest.
- According to the magazine "Focus", Ani Lorak is the No. 1 artist on the public interest.
- According to the magazine "Focus" Ani Lorak entered the top 100 most influential women in Ukraine.
2009
- According to Eurovision Song Contest Radio Ani Lorak with the song "Shady lady" became "Best singer of 2008".
- In March 2009, Ani Lorak was awarded the "Person of the Year" award in the nomination "Idol of Ukrainians".
2010
- At the presentation of the annual WORLD FASHION AWARDS 2010 award, the International TV channel on World Fashion WORLD FASHION CHANNEL recognized Ani Lorak as a Fashion singer.
- In December, Ani Lorak received the Golden Gramophone for the song "For You" and was awarded the "Song of the Year" diploma as the author of music and the co-author of the words.
2011
- In March, at the awarding of the "Personality of the Year" award, Ani Lorak received the award in the "Star Solo" nomination.
2012
- In December Ani gets "Gold Gramophone" award for the song "Obnimi menya krepche" ("Hug Me Tight"), and the song "Obnimi Menya" ("Hug Me") awarded "Song of the Year".
- According to "Seven Days" magazine Ani Lorak is the most beautiful woman in Russia.
2013
- In March Ani Lorak became "the most beautiful woman" according to the Viva! magazine.
- At the ceremony "Persons of the Year, 2012" Ani Lorak got the Personality of Ukrainian Culture award.
- Ani Lorak got "Choreography of the Year" from RU.TV channel at the Russian Music Awards ceremony, which took place on May, 25.
- This summer at the Muz-TV 2013 Award in Moscow Ani Lorak was named as "The Best Performer of the Year" and got the long-awaited plate.
2014
- In May, Ani Lorak received awards from the music channel RU.TV in two categories: "Best duet" for a song with Grigory Leps "Mirrors" and "Karolina" show had won in the nomination "The best concert show of the year".
- In June, Ani Lorak became the owner of a special award from the recording company «Panik Records» for the sale of her English-language single, «I'm Alive» in the iTunes Store in Greece.
- On September 20 Ani Lorak took part in the annual ceremony EMA. Eurasian Music Award held at the Central Stadium in Almaty. Singer became the owner of the prestigious award in the category "Best Artist of Eurasia."
- In December, Ani Lorak received the "Golden Gramophone" award for song with Grigory Leps "Mirrors".
- And the singer became the winner of the "Song of the Year - 2014" award for the song "Slow" on "Inter" TV channel.
2015
- Ani Lorak won in the nomination "Singer of the Year" and received the coveted samovar at the RU.TV Awards.
- In June, Ani Lorak became the "Singer of the Year" at MUZ-TV Awards, which took place in Astana.
- At the annual awards ceremony Fashion People Awards Ani Lorak received award in the nomination “Fashion singer of the year”.
- In November, Ani Lorak received her fifth "Golden Gramophone" for the lyrical song "Ships".
2017
- At the end of May Ani Lorak and Mot win the nomination "Best duet of the year" with the song "Soprano" at the RU.TV Awards.
- In June, Ani Lorak and Emin win the "Fashion duet" award for their song "I can't tell" at the annual "Fashion People Awards" award ceremony.
- Later in June Ani Lorak received the award in the nomination "The Best Album of the Year" for the album "Didn't You Love Me?" at the MUZ-TV Awards.
- In September, Ani Lorak becomes the winner of the special nomination "High Plank" of the MUSICBOX Award.
- Ani Lorak became the leader of the popular vote of the First Channel and Odnoklassniki.
- Ani Lorak received her 9th statuette "Golden Gramophone" for a duet song with Moto "Soprano".
- At the ceremony of awarding the music award "Major League" from "New Radio" Ani Lorak and Moth became owners of the Golden Siren for the song "Soprano".
- In December Ani Lorak received the diploma of the festival "Song of the Year" for the song "You Still Love".
- Ani Lorak and Mot got VK Music Award for the song "Soprano".
2018
- "The Best Female Singer of the Year", ZARA Music Awards.
- "Show of the Year", BraVo international music premia (DIVA).
- At the end of May, Ani Lorak's show DIVA gets award as the best show of the year at the 8th Russian Music Award of RU.TV.
- In the beginning of June, Ani Lorak's show DIVA is recognized as the best concert show of the year at the Fashion People Awards 2018 in Moscow.
- At the MUZ-TV Award 2018 Ani Lorak and Mot get the cherished award for the song "Soprano" - the best duet of the year.
References
- (in Russian) Рейтинг Фокуса: 100 самых влиятельных женщин и 100 деталей о них Archived 2014-02-27 at the Wayback Machine, Focus
- "Welcome to Ukraine".
- "Ани Лорак благодаря концертам в России стала самой богатой украинской звездой".
- UNIAN - Ani Lorak to sing song of Kirkorov in Eurovision
- BBC Ukraine's 2008 Eurovision song (including videoclip)
- http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/all/the-amazing-ani-lorak-story-87142.html
- (in Russian) Ани Лорак Archived 2013-11-11 at the Wayback Machine, Focus
- (in Russian) Рейтинг Фокуса: 100 самых влиятельных женщин и 100 деталей о них Archived 2014-02-27 at the Wayback Machine, Focus
- https://web.archive.org/web/20110919102828/http://www.anilorak.com/en/news/3573.html. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2011. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - Шифон от Ани Лорак Archived February 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-08-12. Retrieved 2011-06-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Ani Lorak married
- p=10894 ани лорак вскоре станет мамой Archived February 26, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- Ани Лорак рожала вместе с мужем (in Russian) Archived August 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- https://tabloid.pravda.com.ua/focus/5c52c647ad51b/
- "Ani Lorak will go to Eurovision without a contest". gazeta.ua (in Russian). 2007-12-25. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
- Clip of performance of "Shady Lady" at the preselection "Archived copy" (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2008-03-29. Retrieved 2008-05-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Biography (Official website) Archived January 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1992". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1994". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1995". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1996". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1997". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1998". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 1999". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2000". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2001". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2002". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2003". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2004". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2005". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2006". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2008". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2009". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2010". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2011". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2012". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2013". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2014". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2015". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2016". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2017". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
- "Ani Lorak Biography 2018". www.anilorak.ua. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
External links
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| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Verka Serduchka with "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" |
Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |
Succeeded by Svetlana Loboda with "Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl)" |
Preceded by Sophia Paraskeva and Alex Michael |
Junior Eurovision Song Contest presenter (with Timur Miroshnychenko) 2009 |
Succeeded by Leila Ismailava and Dzianis Kurian |
| Preceded by New title |
Most beautiful by VIVA! 2005 With: Svyatoslav Vakarchuk |
Succeeded by Natalia Mohylevska |
| Preceded by Oksana Marchenko |
Most beautiful by VIVA! 2012 (2nd title) With: Ivan Dorn |
Succeeded by title suspended Tina Karol (2017) |
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Note: Entries scored out are when Ukraine did not compete | |||||||||||
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