In 1985, Malikov performed two songs at the "Soundtrack" Concert (звуковая дорожка / Zvukovaya Dorozhka) organized by the popular Russian newspaper "Moskovsky Komsomolets" (Московский Комсомолец), which was his first major performance. He was a big hit with the audience and soon after the concert his songs hit the charts. In 1989, he performed the song "Until Tomorrow" (До завтра / Do Zavtra), which was his first huge success. He also played at a pop music festival in Poland. Later that year, he signed a ten-year contract.