On May 18, the representative of Russia Manizha (Manizha Sangin) performed in the semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest.

According to the results of the vote of the professional jury and spectators from different countries, the singer was among the ten best participants and went to the final, which will be held on May 22.

The organizers did not disclose how many points were awarded to the musicians: the presenters only named ten countries whose representatives received places in the final.

Many foreign viewers who follow the competition liked the performance of the Russian performer.

Some of them paid special attention to the personality of Manizhi: the singer supports charitable initiatives, fights domestic violence and is a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees.

“Manizha, the contestant representing Russia this year, is an icon.

She speaks out against domestic violence and xenophobia and in support of the LGBT community and body positive.

Her song is feminist and supports Russian women.

She is worthy of you to vote for her! ”One of the spectators of the competition wrote on Twitter during the broadcast of the first semifinal.

The meaning of the song seemed universal to a number of users.

"Respect Manizha, because now millions of girls, not only in such a huge country as Russia, but all over the world, see and hear this very important message: be ready for change, because change is you!"

- said the girl who calls herself a fan of Eurovision.

Shoutout to Manizha because there are millions of little girls at the moment, not just in a big country like Russia but around the world witnessing this very important message.

Be ready for the change because you are the change!

💪🏼 # RUS # Eurovisionpic.twitter.com / OaCXLJeEz6

- Common Eurofan Girl (@CommonESCGirl) May 18, 2021

“Manizha, if you want to lead the feminist revolution, I'll follow you, I'm here, I'm ready,” wrote a Twitter user from Italy.

Some changed their minds about the song after seeing the number with which the singer performed at the Ahoy Arena in Rotteradm.

“I don't really like the song“ Russian Woman ”itself, but Manizha won me over with her performance.

The number turned out to be much better than I expected, ”admitted a blogger from the Czech Republic.

A user from Bosnia and Herzegovina revealed that her perspective on the song has also changed over time.

“At first I had no idea how to relate to this number.

From a musical point of view, it was like a lot of songs mixed together.

But then my opinion completely changed, and now I am glad that Russia is sending something unique to the competition, and, finally, with an important message! "

- she wrote.

The audience's attention was also attracted by the stage image of the performer - a costume made from many scraps from all over Russia, from which Manizha later emerges in a red jumpsuit.

“Manizha in my huge dress is how I look when I don't want to turn on the heater,” joked the author from Australia.

Manizhi's performance was also appreciated by the American writer and literary critic Catherine M. Valente.

“I think I fell in love with Manizha.

It's cool that the gigantic dress remained on stage, as if it was backing up.

And how great they were shouting "Do not be afraid."

In the end, I couldn't hold back my tears.

God, I love Eurovision, ”the author shared her impressions on her official Twitter account.

  • Manizha in the first semi-final of Eurovision

  • globallookpress.com

  • © Soeren Stache

Some users note the originality of Manizhi: some see her as a new trend in the competition, others distinguish her as an atypical representative of Russia.

“I love Manizha.

She is a phenomenal Eurovision contestant.

Every performance.

Every interview.

Every Instagram story, ”wrote the Scottish blogger.

He concluded the post with a quote from Manizha's song: "Every Russian woman needs to know."

“I love Manizha.

An amazing performance, the likes of which I have never seen at Eurovision.

If there is at least some kind of justice in the world, then this is a direct ticket to the final, ”said an author from Ireland, when the results were not yet known.

"Manizha is so charismatic, she has a very good song, and although it's mostly in Russian, it doesn't spoil her, 5 out of 5!"

- said the Mexican blogger.

“Manizha is a daring and brave performer, and her song is just a bomb.

12 points from Australia, ”another user said.

The journalists also spoke positively about the performance of the Russian performer.

Clara de Brubox from Spain, in an interview with TASS, assessed the performance and character of Manizhi: “Her number is very fresh, relevant.

I think many will support her for her performance style, message, for her charisma, ”said Brubox.

On May 19, the video of Manizhi's performance, posted on the official Eurovision YouTube channel, gained more than 2 million views and took the first line on the "Trending" tab.

The video became the most popular among the recordings of the numbers of the participants of the first semi-final.