The stage name Ani Lorak was created in 1995 when the singer reversed the letters of her birth name, Karolina, to avoid professional confusion with an established performer. Born in 1978 in Kitsman, she built a multifaceted career spanning music, acting, writing, and composition before ultimately relocating to Russia, where she obtained citizenship in 2025.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Raised in Kitsman and later Chernivtsi, she spent part of her childhood in a foster home. She pursued singing from age four, inspired by performers like Alla Pugacheva and Larisa Dolina. In 1992, she won the Pervotsvit competition in Chernivtsi, beginning a professional partnership with producer Yuriy Falyosa. Her career accelerated following a 1995 appearance on the television programme Morning Star. Shortly after, she moved to Kyiv, released her debut Russian-language album Khochu letat in 1996, and earned the Discovery of the Year award at the Tavria Games.
International Recognition and Eurovision
In 1999, she began extensive international touring across the United States, France, Germany, and Hungary. Her international profile expanded significantly during the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, where she represented Ukraine with the song Shady Lady, finishing in second place behind Dima Bilan. This performance marked a transition in her career as she gained attention beyond the former Soviet Union. She previously attempted to represent Ukraine in 2005 with the song A Little Shot Of Love but did not win the national selection.
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She collaborated with producers including Konstantin Meladze and worked with Philipp Kirkorov. In 2018, she received a ZD Award for Best Singer of the Year. Her contributions were recognized with the title of Merited Artist of Ukraine and People's Artist of Ukraine, though the latter was revoked in 2024 as part of shifting political and state-level sanctions.
Recent Status and Sanctions
Following the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, she continued to reside and perform in Russia. As a result, the Ukrainian government imposed sanctions against her in October 2022, which included a five-year prohibition from entering the country and the removal of her state honours. She solidified her new professional base by receiving Russian citizenship in 2025. Today, her career encompasses roles as a television presenter, fashion model, and entrepreneur.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Kitsman
- Citizenship: Russia, Ukraine
- Education: Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts
- Stage Name Origin: Karolina spelled backwards
- Eurovision 2008 Result: Second place
- 2025 Status: Russian citizenship obtained
- Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name Ani Lorak?
The name was adopted in 1995 as the reverse spelling of her birth name, Karolina, to distinguish her from another performer.
Which countries has she officially represented at Eurovision?
She represented Ukraine in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.
What is her current citizenship status?
She received Russian citizenship in 2025.
Achievements
- Worked as singer, composer and poet
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