On July 15, 2018, Aida Garifullina closed the FIFA World Cup.

The star soprano charmed audiences with the folk song “Kalinka” alongside former superstar player Ronaldinho and the World Cup mascot Zabivaka. She also appeared at the beginning alongside DJ Smash. The closing ceremony also included Nicky Jam, Will Smith, and Era Istrefi performing the official song “Live it Up.”

Garifullina was present throughout the World Cup, performing during the opening night gala alongside Anna Netrebko and Plácido Domingo and was also present at the Opening Ceremony where she performed alongside Robbie Williams.

The soprano has been making headlines throughout the past months participating in the July 14 Paris Gala, as well as at the Royal Opera House for a Memorial concert remembering Dmitri Hvorostovsky. She also released an EP in celebration of her World Cup performances. The soprano next takes the stage in August for a gala concert alongside Vittorio Grigolo before heading to the Salzburg Festival for “The Pearl Fishers.”