Ivan Shapovalov

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Ivan Nikolaevich Shapovalov (Russian: Иван Николаевич Шаповалов) is most known for being the ex-producer to the Russian duet t.A.T.u..

Ivan was born on May 28th, 1966 in Kotovo, Russia (near Volgograd). His father was Nikolay Aleksandrovich, an artist and his mother Nadezhda Richardovna, a physics teacher. Nothing is known about his childhood, but he was inspired by his mother to attend a physics school. He is sometimes referred to as 'Vanya.'

In 1988, Shapovalov graduated from Saratov medical institute, for Child psychology. In Balakovo, he opened a private practice. From 1992 - 1999 he was a marketing director and advertising director. He created many commercials in Russia. During this time, he met Alexander Voitinskyi. Ironically, during this time he also created a commercial for the computer company R&K, co-founded by Boris Rensky, his future replacement in t. A.T.u.

In 1999, Shapovalov along with friend Voitinskyi, and lover Elena Kiper, created a search for singers in Russia. They found Elena Katina and Yulia Volkova for their group t.A.T.u.. For unknown reasons, Voitinskyi and Shapovalov lost friendship, and only Shapovalov moved on to direct the girls. Ivan led the girls to stardom. He also admitted in an interview with the The Sun (newspaper) that the inspiration for t. A.T.u come from a desire for underaged lesbians.

In 2004, the girls of t. A.T.u. decided to break off business relations with Shapovalov. After negotiations with Universal Music, and Neformat, t. A.T.u. was re-signed to Universal Music with new producer Boris Rensky.

He is also producer of a rock group «7B» and singer of NATO (Natalia Shevljakova). He is also friends with the TEMA girls and has been cited for possibly being their producer, song writer or other, but it has been denied.

Late August 2006, Ivan Shapovalov released a song titled "Я не людоед" (Ya Ne Lyudoed; I not the cannibal), featuring his friend, and Podnebesnaya co-star, Helya.