Julia Volkova

Early Life

Yulia Olegovna Volkova, better known as Julia Volkova, was born on February 20, 1985, in Moscow, Russia. Growing up in a middle-class family, she was introduced to music at a young age, enrolling in music school at six and learning to play the piano. By the age of nine, she joined the children's choir Neposedy, where she met Lena Katina, who would later become her partner in the iconic duo t.A.T.u. Volkova's artistic journey took a significant turn when she transferred to a school focused on artistic talent, eventually leaving Neposedy to join t.A.T.u. at the age of 14.

Career

Formed in 1999 by Ivan Shapovalov, t.A.T.u. quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most successful Russian music groups of all time. The duo's provocative image and catchy hits like "All the Things She Said" and "Not Gonna Get Us" captivated audiences worldwide. They gained international recognition, even participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003. Despite the group's success, Volkova and Katina later revealed that their lesbian persona was a marketing strategy imposed by their management. After t.A.T.u. disbanded, Volkova pursued a solo career, releasing several singles, including "Woman All the Way Down" and "Rage."

Personal Life

Volkova's personal life has been marked by both triumph and struggle. She became a mother at 19, giving birth to her daughter Viktoria in 2004. Her relationship with her daughter's father was controversial, as he was already married. In 2007, she welcomed a son, Samir, but her relationship with his father ended in 2010. Volkova faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2012, which led to surgeries that affected her vocal cords. After multiple treatments, she successfully regained her voice and continued her career. In 2021, she even ventured into politics, announcing her candidacy for the State Duma, although she did not win the election.