The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and out walked Anna Netrebko, the famed Russian soprano, in a glittering pink gown. It was her first time performing in the U.S. since 2019, and the moment was charged with tension. Why? Her past support of Vladimir Putin had made her a controversial figure in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Monday night’s event at the luxurious Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, was a far cry from her last U.S. performance—a grand New Year’s Eve gala at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Back then, she was the star of the show, singing to thousands of adoring fans. This time, she performed for a much smaller audience of about 450 people, including wealthy donors, opera enthusiasts, and local socialites. Outside, protesters held signs calling her "Putin’s Soprano."

Netrebko acknowledged her absence from the U.S. stage, telling the crowd with a smile, “It’s been a while since I’ve been in the U.S. This city’s just like a paradise. So beautiful. You are lucky to live here.” But her return hasn’t been without criticism. Many cultural institutions, including the Met, have cut ties with her over her political stance.

Her performance at the Palm Beach Opera gala marked a tentative step back into the spotlight, though it’s unclear how audiences and institutions will respond moving forward. For now, it seems Netrebko is ready to sing her way back into the conversation.