For Tereza Mašková, the scale of success is often a delayed realization. When she stood before more than 4,000 fans at a sold-out O2 Universum in Prague late last month, the magnitude of the moment didn’t hit her until the following day. In the heat of the performance, it took until the final three songs for her to stop overthinking and simply let the experience wash over her.
The spectacle was a far cry from her early days in the spotlight. With pyrotechnics, professional dancers, and a dramatic descent from the ceiling, Mašková has transitioned from a reality show winner into a calculated pop force. Yet, beneath the high-production value and the vibrant aesthetic, there is a narrative of survival and a conscious effort to reclaim her identity. For the singer, the journey has been as much about mental fortitude as it has been about vocal range, leading to a place where she can finally say, “Tereza Mašková: Bez růžové se necítím úplně ve své kůži. Dává mi sebevědomí” (Without pink, I don’t sense completely in my own skin. It gives me confidence).
This signature color is more than a branding choice; it is a psychological anchor. Having navigated a public career that began with the whirlwind of SuperStar in 2018, Mašková has spent years reconciling the version of herself the public expects with the woman she is behind the scenes.
From ‘Confused’ to Platinum
The trajectory of Mašková’s career has not been a straight line. Her debut album, Zmatená (Confused), was released during the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic and met with mixed critical reception. At the time, she found herself caught between the expectations of industry insiders—who pushed her toward a generic pop mold—and her own uncertainty about her artistic voice.
Looking back, she describes that period as accelerated and overwhelming, fearing that the public would forget her before she could figure out who she actually was. That internal conflict is mirrored in the title of her newer work, (Ne)budu sedět v koutě, which explores the tension between the desire to be heard and the desperate need for silence and solitude.
The shift in her professional standing became undeniable with the success of “Náš příběh,” a duet with actor Marek Lambora. The track has garnered over 26 million views on YouTube and earned double platinum certification. For Mašková, the collaboration was a triumph of intuition, though she notes that Lambora, primarily an actor, was initially uncomfortable stepping into the role of a singer.
Foto: Archiv Terezy Maškové
The ‘Net’ of Eating Disorders
While her public image is one of neon confidence, Mašková has spent a significant portion of her life fighting a private battle with bulimia, a struggle that began when she was 14. For years, she maintained a facade of health, telling fans she ate six times a day even as her physical condition deteriorated.
She describes the illness as a “net” that traps the sufferer, a metaphor she recently brought to life in a music video that required two months of grueling ballet training on pointe shoes. The physical pain of the dance served as a parallel to the emotional struggle of her recovery. Mašková admits that during the first week of training, the pain was nearly unbearable, but she pushed through, viewing the discipline as a way to conquer her own limits.
Her road to recovery has been marked by raw, sometimes frightening, honesty. At her lowest point, she began leaving notes on her refrigerator as a stark warning to herself, listing the consequences of the disorder: hair loss, decaying teeth, and the potential loss of her singing voice. While she describes her current state as significantly improved, she remains vigilant, acknowledging that the danger of relapse is a lifelong consideration.
Byla jsem už tak zoufalá a v dost špatném stavu, že jsem o bulimii začala mluvit
A Partnership of Trust and Language
Central to Mašková’s stability is her relationship with her husband, Oliver Žilák. The couple, who married in May 2025 at Kunzov Castle after a three-and-a-half-year engagement, shares a bond that is both romantic and professional. Žilák, a Slovak national, also serves as Mašková’s manager.
Blending their personal and professional lives has required a delicate balance. After spending time living in Bratislava before returning to Prague, the couple has developed a unique linguistic hybrid, often mixing Czech and Slovak in their daily conversations. Professionally, they have learned to navigate the fragility of working together through mutual respect and a commitment to not letting business tensions erode their partnership.
Foto: Michaela Feuereislová
Discipline as Therapy
To maintain her mental health, Mašková relies on a strict regimen of physical activity. She runs 10 kilometers every day, a practice she views as a fusion of discipline and therapy. This routine, coupled with a preference for periods of total isolation to recharge, allows her to handle the pressures of the music industry.
This commitment to self-improvement is fueling her next ambitious goal. After the success of O2 Universum, Mašková has set her sights on the O2 Arena. While she acknowledges that reaching the city’s largest venue will take time and immense work, the vision is already in place—literally, as the words “Směr O2 arena” (Direction: O2 Arena) flashed in sequins behind her during her last major show.
As she prepares for her spring tour, Mašková continues to embrace the visual identity that serves as her armor. The pink hair, she insists, is not just a style, but a source of confidence that allows her to step onto the stage as her most authentic self.
Disclaimer: This article discusses eating disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact a healthcare professional or a certified mental health crisis center.
Mašková is currently focusing on her upcoming spring tour and the development of new singles, with the ultimate goal of scaling her performances to the O2 Arena.
What do you think about Tereza’s journey and her openness regarding mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
