Known for her hit tracks Who Would Think That Love and Wave Your Flag with the global pop group Now United, Sofya Plotnikova has become a global sensation in the world of pop music. Formed in Los Angeles by Spice Girls’ manager Simon Fuller, Now United or NU is now a fan-favourite pop group that consists of 7 active members and 18 members in total.
After experiencing great success working as a performer with the group, Sofya Plotnikova is now ready to welcome her solo career, both as a musician and a dancer. The 20-year-old songstress has exciting things on the horizon and she told us as part of her Cosmo Careers 2023 panel ALL about it.
Cosmo Careers 2023 — In conversation with Sofya Plotnikova: “How I Became an International Popstar”
How did you get into music and dance?
When asked this question, Sofya Plotnikova went all the way to the beginning. The Russian artist was born into a family of musicians and had been dancing since she was only 5 years old. Her dad plays the guitar and her mom is a musician as well.
How did you become the 5th member of Now United?
NU’s founder Simon Fuller discovered her through a YouTube video after which she auditioned for the slot and got it within 6 months.
What’s the best thing you’ve done with Now United?
Sofya talked about how despite the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band was able to reunite and perform for a crowd of 40,000 fans and this was the best thing she did with NU.
What are you doing in Dubai RN?
Sofya Plotnikova is now based in Dubai where she is growing her personal career on social media as a musician and singer.
Are you going to have a solo career? What is your end goal?
After performing and touring with Now United for six years, Sofya is ready to enter her solo era and focus on growing as a dancer, writing and producing her own music, and venturing into fashion. Sofya hopes she can soon move to Los Angeles to get dance and singing lessons as well as record original songs. We cannot wait.
How did you manage being a pop star and finishing school at the same time?
Sofya Plotnikova is a mainstream name in the pop music world today but she was once an ambitious young girl who looked up to her favourite stars, wanting to be just like them. With hard work and a lot of support from her family, Sofya was able to manage her pop star career and school at the same time.
Are you a mentor to the newer members of Now United? What is the advice you would give to young girls who want to enter the industry?
“It’s amazing to dream and envision the future while working hard towards that,” said Sofya. She added, “You don’t have to pick a role model who is popular, be yourself.” PREACH, sis.
Who is your role model?
Sofya said she has so many personalities in mind but the first she could think of was her dad. All the struggles he went through to ensure her family’s well-being motivate her to be a great performer and an even better person every day. Oh, and JLo.
What were your biggest struggles when you first joined Now United?
Not being able to speak English very fluently and being away from her family seemed to be the biggest struggles Sofya went through when she started at NU.
How has it been growing up in the spotlight on social media?
Growing up, Sofya didn’t use social media a lot which makes it all slightly new for her. Nevertheless, she enjoys being open and expressing her feelings with her fanbase on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Sofya explained that she doesn’t necessarily stress out about posting but sometimes feels the pressure to create high-quality, inspirational content for her fans. She has occasionally faced trolls but doesn’t take their negative comments to heart.
How do beauty standards on social media affect you?
Sofya said that she wasn’t too conscious about how she presented herself on social media until she moved to Dubai when she realized she did have some anxieties. She is, however, working on accepting herself and understanding that social media isn’t always a true portrayal of someone’s life.
With a huge, adoring fanbase, what do you do to stay humble?
The NU vocalist said that she always looks back to the teen she once was to stay grounded and true to herself.
What are the characteristics you need to make it as a pop star?
The ability to work hard — sometimes with no sleep, food, or breaks — and being humble are key.
Do you feel like you grew up too fast?
Reminiscing on her super-busy teenage years, Sofya said that wishes she had more special moments with her mom, but that she tries to make up for lost time now that she’s found her footing in the industry.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
BLACKPINK and BTS. And other multi-faceted performers her age.
What would you have been doing if it weren’t for NU?
Sofya said that she definitely would’ve ended up working with kids — teaching or helping them in any other way if she didn’t become a pop star.
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