Russia Closes In on Eurovision Trophy With Manizha’s Qualifier
May 19, 2021
Manizha emerged in an oversized folk costume stylized as a tea warmer before removing it to reveal a red jumpsuit.
Vyacheslav Prokofyev / TASS
Russia is one step closer to bringing home its second ever Eurovision song contest trophy after Tajik-born singer-songwriter Manizha Sangin qualified for the finals late Tuesday.
Manizha’s feminist anthem “Russian Woman” was among the 10 semi-final qualifiers, which also included Ukrainian folk-dance act Go_A, who have secured their place in this weekend’s final. Ten more finalists will be chosen in Rotterdam on Thursday.
Manizha's performance of “Russian Woman” from Tuesday has racked up 1.4 million views on Eurovision’s YouTube page, making it the most-watched video from this year's contest.