Irina Shayk Co-Hosting Sanremo 2026’s Third Evening: Discover the Russian Top Model
Irina Shayk is making headlines as she co-hosts the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival. The event takes place on Thursday, February 26, and features Shayk alongside notable figures Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini. This prominent role marks a significant moment for the Russian supermodel.
Irina Shayk: A Journey from the Urals to Fame
Born in 1986 in Yemanzhelinsk, Russia, Irina Valeryevna Shaikhlislamova, or Irina Shayk, has risen to prominence over the last two decades. Her early life was shaped by her father, a miner of Tatar descent, and her mother, a music teacher. Irina discovered her love for music at a young age, playing the piano at six and attending music school by nine.
Tragedy struck at fourteen with her father’s passing, leading her family to face newfound challenges. After high school, Shayk moved to Chelyabinsk, where she transitioned from marketing studies to beauty school, eventually entering the modeling industry.
Rise to Stardom
In 2004, Shayk won the Miss Chelyabinsk pageant, marking the start of her successful modeling career. She became a regular feature in prestigious publications and campaigns, working with renowned brands such as:
- Intimissimi
- Guess
- L’Oréal
- Givenchy
- Max Mara
Her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue from 2007 to 2016 further solidified her status as a leading model. Shayk also ventured into acting, making her film debut in 2014 alongside Dwayne Johnson in “Hercules.” She has walked the runway for prestigious fashion houses like Givenchy during Paris Fashion Week and participated in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Personal Life and Relationships
Irina’s personal life has garnered significant media attention, particularly her high-profile relationships. From 2010 to 2015, she was in a relationship with football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Shayk later dated actor Bradley Cooper from 2015 to 2019, with whom she shares a daughter, Léa de Seine Shayk Cooper.
Despite their separation, Shayk and Cooper maintain a cordial relationship for their child’s well-being. Following the end of their relationship, rumors about Shayk’s involvement with Kanye West surfaced, though these were never confirmed.
As Shayk co-hosts the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival, she continues to be a global icon, leaving her mark on fashion, film, and pop culture.
