Russia Manizha First Rehearsal Eurovision 2021
Photo: EBU / Andres Putting

Russia’s Manizha has taken to the stage inside Ahoy Rotterdam for her first rehearsal of Eurovision 2021. She starts off as a Russian doll. But does she have the key to Eurovision 2021 success hidden beneath her layers? Let’s see….

Russia’s Manizha “Russian Woman” — Eurovision 2021 first rehearsal

Oliver: When Russia gets it right, they get it right. Manizha appears in a huge oversized traditional dress moving on wheels, which then reveals into the red jumpsuit similar to the one we saw at the national final. The team seems to be putting more emphasis on the traditional/modern fusion, and are also leaning into the parody aspect of the song. It makes the message of “Russian Woman” much more clear, even for those who might not understand the language. At the end, we get a huge wall of singing selfies. It’s been done before at Eurovision, but this time it feels powerful. Manizha and her backing vocalists turn towards the Russian women, almost as if worshipping them. This is heading for a huge result.

Padraig: Manizha literally starts off as a Russian doll before she breaks out of the costume to become the Russian woman from the national final. The LED is filled with images of traditional Russian artwork, all of which feature women. Just as Manizha reaches the spiritual chanting, a giant image of an Orthodox-style religious icon appears on screen. Think the traditional images of Mary with the baby Jesus, but minus Jesus. And Mary looks very sad. Once the rap starts, this makes way for a series of slogans like “be strong” and “be creative”. The LED concludes with a wall of selfies which come together to spell “Russian Woman”. Manizha is fierce as ever. But the question remains whether this will translate beyond Russia and the wider region.

Reaction to Russia’s first rehearsal at Eurovision 2021

 

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Photos: EBU / ANDRES PUTTING

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The truth
2 years ago

I loved this. The symbolism is really well defined. From the traditional Russian doll (representing the traditional role of Russian women) comes out the modern woman.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
2 years ago

Apart from the confusing background change, this is looking really decent. I hope to see the background images flow better in the second rehearsal so that it fits well with the story that Manizha is trying to tell.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

that’s a great performance, in RUSSIAN with lots of references to Russian artists and paintings + culture in general.

Trina
Trina
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I’m excited about that too! One of her press photos reminded me so much of Vrubel’s Tsarevna-lebed’, so this is such a wonderful continuation of this theme!

Sven
Sven
2 years ago

oh god half of commentators love it and other half hate it lol
for me it was intresting to watch, musically it’s still too messy for me, but she will qualify and will have place in top 15 I think

Matt
Matt
2 years ago

LMFAO.. this is just horrible.. NQ for me..

BYEEE
BYEEE
2 years ago
Reply to  Matt

LMAO, then watch generic pop from Sweden with copy and paste staging from Melfest, and Lithuania, which also didn’t bring any changes in their staging from the national final

Last edited 2 years ago by BYEEE
Matt
Matt
2 years ago
Reply to  BYEEE

Is this a thread about them or Russia??
But to answer you, agreed, they were also bad..

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Matt

This is awesome this is 100% gonna qualify

Karl Fradgley
Karl Fradgley
2 years ago

From the moment I heard this ….. I felt a 1944 moment. Anyone who says this is not a contender is clearly wrong. I can really see this winning the whole thing.

Hellooooo
Hellooooo
2 years ago

Am I the only one who fears that Russia won’t qualify because the satellites (call them Azerbaijan or Moldova) won’t support her bc she doesn’t have Putin’s support?

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Hellooooo

she definitely has; otherwise she wouldn’t “win” the selection carried out by a state TV channel

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

I’m sure that Vladimir is loling….he is pushing some westerns to vote for Russia….

meanwhile, some excited westerns imagine that they vote…against

A R
A R
2 years ago
Reply to  Hellooooo

It will be a big surprise and real achievement, if Russia qualifies without its satellites. This would definitely break the system and people will understand, that this all because of her originality and charisma. Maybe, the song itself is not polished, very risky, but she can take it with her personality as a talented performer.

Trina
Trina
2 years ago
Reply to  Hellooooo

Having spent many Eurovisions in this region, I actually do not think this is such a big worry.

Sal
Sal
2 years ago

Okay, this has got me EXCITED

Doris
Doris
2 years ago

I was afraid she would keep that dress all along, that would have killed all the energy she has to offer.

Dida
Dida
2 years ago

A huge carpet for covering a car won’t help Russia from their iminent non qualification. The song is cheap, just like their song and staging. No One will vote for Russia, except their usual voters (Moldova and Azerbaijan). And now that Armenia and Belarus are out of the contest, their chances of qualification are Low

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Dida

For your information, this “carpet for covering a car” took months to make and it was actually Manizha and her mother who collected threads from all around Russia and knitted the threads all together for that dress

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
2 years ago
Reply to  Dida

You’re a child. This “carpet” has an interesting story. And the song is cheap? Wtf. Perhaps you don’t like it but it is certainly not cheap. For once, Russia does something different and the message is real. Sergey’s songs were cheap. I liked them but they were.
I don’t want Manizha to win because she is far from my favorites but she deserves a spot in final and in the top 15 (at least).

Kas
Kas
2 years ago

Sergey’s song were cheap ? You’re hooligan…big boy.

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
2 years ago
Reply to  Kas

Yep they were. As I said it doesn’t mean they aren’t enjoyable. They are just basic eurovision pop song.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago

Basic eurovision pop songs ? Can I read something about in Papyrus Larousse ?

ps-in my poor english….basic and cheap are 2 different words.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Kas

Manizha will qualify Russiaphobe

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

Lol. For sure. Already told that .

keep walking boy. You’re a cult figure.

ps-Just dont like the song, not the country.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Kas

You need to get a life internetgangster

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

What a sharpy statement…lol

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Kas

well i see you in every wiwi article making negative comments.

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago

(1) vocals are okay – she is a good singer… (2) but OMG: there is NO message at all (yes, Russian is one of my native languages)… she just tries selling the fake feminism to naive Europeans… (3) the rendition and manner are not freaky but vulgar; (4) the song per se is hugely incoherent and messy… sorry

Last edited 2 years ago by Vsl
Kedmir
Kedmir
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

Are you talking about MALTA? lmao

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

tbh, Malta uses a similar approach but the song of Malta is somewhat better

Kedmir
Kedmir
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

Here’s the thing, Destiny only sings the song Je Me Casse, but I haven’t seen her saying any word or taking any action to support women’s rights. As for me, it’s too tricky to use woman empowerment topic as some kind of vote-getter.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kedmir
Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

at this point I agree with you… +1

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

Have you ever listen that women in Malta are facing any problems of rights ?
A la carte rights….

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

Agree with you too…but at least Malta has a song…not a troll entry.

The truth
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

Do you feel the need to try and offend another country when that country does not feature at all? So many childish haters around!

Kedmir
Kedmir
2 years ago
Reply to  The truth

I’m telling THE TRUTH, while you are not. “Goodbye patriarchy, hello gender equality.” that’s what Manizha said to all of us. I haven’t heard a single word from Destiny to support women. She can only sing. You’re gonna argue with the truth?

Last edited 2 years ago by Kedmir
The truth
2 years ago
Reply to  Kedmir

That is not the point here is it? The point is that you brought in a contestant from a different country to back up your claims and to try and sustain your argument. You do not need to belittle other singers. I do not know whether the Russian singer has spoken about women’s right or not because I am not familiar with Russian politics. But that does not mean that she hasn’t stood up for women. So the same goes for you with regards to the Maltese singer. Are you familiar with what Destiny has said and done in her… Read more »

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

…and yes: Slovenia, Belgium or Estonia with the same entry would be certainly dropped at the stage of semifinal 🙂

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

Are you sure ? Please remember that Russia already failed to qualify (in 2018)

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Mr X

that female singer with special needs and weak vocals was provocatively selected for ESC2017 and then kept for ESC2018 after being rejected by Ukraine in 2017… however, the entry of 2018 was absolutely horrible, so the results were appropriate in spite of the customary support of the satellite counties…

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

A la carte Rights….Seems that Russian women with special needs…dont have rights…to smile provocatively.

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

indeed, it was horrible

Vsl
Vsl
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

selection? really? 🙂

Alonso
Alonso
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

I do really hope people could understand her message. The meaning, things she wants to say are huge and great! WE GET HER BACK!!!

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Vsl

Exactly, completely agree.

Candy
Candy
2 years ago

I was having doubts about this qualifying but it’s a sure qualifier now. Best staging so far

Kas
Kas
2 years ago

Awful song (?), interesting photograph, unpolished staging, a lot of energy, possible jury support for political reasons.
I don’t buy her supposed message.
Certainly qualifier (possible top 10 in gf).

Voix
Voix
2 years ago

Imagine if she wins after all these kirkorov entries, he will basically leave the country and choose the Moldovan entries

Voix
Voix
2 years ago

I want her to win so badly that it hurts. She is a class act.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

I don’t get the good comments about this. It is horrible in every way. Too bad for Russia that I usually like their entries, but not this year sorry.

Séimí
Séimí
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I thought I was the only one that doesn’t like this, it is horrible, I’m not getting all the love either.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago
Reply to  Séimí

I find it horrible too.

Emily
Emily
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I think that’s pretty understandable as it’s one of the most polarising songs this year. It’s pretty outside-the-box.

Alonso
Alonso
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Maybe it’s just a matter of taste. The point is people don’t need to project hate of Russia onto the singer Manizha. Honestly speaking, she is a brave, strong and creative woman who fights for LGBTQ+ community, women and refugee’s rights. She is a great and open-minded person who deserves our respect, not hate. Hatred comes from incomprehension.

Last edited 2 years ago by Alonso
Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  Alonso

I’m not talking about her personally. I’m talking about the song and it’s presentation. Do you think that the people who will be watching that night will know her story? They will judge what they see and hear and it’s not good.

Alonso
Alonso
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I get your point. This is the very question they need to solve. Many audience can’t understand Russian language. However, those parts people don’t understand are very brilliant… Hopefully, there will be subtitles when they do live performance.

Last edited 2 years ago by Alonso
Séimí
Séimí
2 years ago
Reply to  Alonso

I think you’re correct, people here are very quick to throw around the word “hater” if someone doesn’t like a particular song or act. I really dislike this genre of music and while I’m all for people singing in their own language but I don’t like the sound of the Russian language but I don’t hate Russians or anyone else.

Sniper K-Wolf
Sniper K-Wolf
2 years ago

Russian split vote since 2016 : Good for Russia : Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Malta (the both) – Germany, Irelande, Israel, Italy, Lithuania and Ukraine (for televote) – Croatia and Macedonia (for Jury) Bad for Russia : Australia (but could be different because this country love non-english songs), Belgium and Slovenia (the both) – Germany, Irelande, Israel (could be very different this year because the israeli songrwitter and composer), Italy, Norway and Ukraine (for Jury) – All televote from all this country gave vote to Russia in the past. Australia : SF 2016 (J0/T0) – 2018 (J0/T0) and Final 2016 (J0/T5) –… Read more »

Emily
Emily
2 years ago

I love this already! I’m never usually this excited over a Russian entry, it’s weird!

Jo.
Jo.
2 years ago

Loved the idea, innovation on the stage!!

Brett Young
Brett Young
2 years ago

I had thought with Belarus absent they needed to find 20 points from somewhere but I think you could cast a blanket pre rehearsals on the next 8 entries after a clear top 5. Its early days but I think the Russian doll outfit might appeal to TV viewers, and for a change juries might buy this.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago

Horrible song, horrible vocal. Came out a bit straight forward from me and not very tactical, apologies, but it’s just so much kitsch on stage, no taste and elegance. Vocals don’t sound nice live and it’s just so messy. The message is powerful, but there are a lot of better singers like Samantha Tina who have the same message and way more polished tune.

Last edited 2 years ago by Nati
Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Nati

she has a good vocal you may not like her type of voice but she has a good voice.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

Maybe… to me she screams in some places and I don’t like the sounding, so maybe i just don’t vibe with this particular song for her vocals.

Serena00
Serena00
2 years ago
Reply to  Nati

Finally, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like her vocals

Sara
Sara
2 years ago

it’s great, everything is so Russian, I like it very much, Russia has prepared something cool this year

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

Easy finalist. This will be one of the most commented entries of the year for sure. It looks great, it sounds great, they have attitude… I will be surprised if this stays in the semi.

Sultan
Sultan
2 years ago

“This is gonna be a gas!” (c)
It will be definitely a theatrical performance, which will attract your attention every second, from the very beginning to the end. She has already done with 30 seconds. What would be if she shows 3 minutes of her performance? Mind-blowing!

David
David
2 years ago

My only tiny criticism is that she need so break out of the dress with a bit more confidence. But I am sure it will get polished the next days.

This is my favourite song at this moment

Roman
2 years ago

Miss Charisma entered Eurovision

Alonso
Alonso
2 years ago

I LOVE HER SOOO MUCH! After the rehearsal, I’m more convinced that she is my winner this year.

Teddy
2 years ago

This is giving very much top 3, especially since Russia have placed similarly and even won with much worse songs

yeahyeahfire
yeahyeahfire
2 years ago

Until now the best rehearsal, i love her and her song. She is the Dark horse of the year

Ratik
Ratik
2 years ago

She’s gorgeous! I think the public will love it, and the jury should appreciate the strong message. In any case, it’s better than any polished and soulless song from Russia

Kpow
Kpow
2 years ago

Omaga, there’s a woman in traditional Sakha/Yakut costume on this LED screen! I’ve never imagined that my culture would be represented in the huge international show like Eurovision.

ESC8
ESC8
2 years ago

This Russian doll prop alone deserves qualification! I thought Russia was borderline but I’m starting to change my mind. Let’s see what the other countries have in bag as well.

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago

Stunning visuals. Dark horse for suuuuure!

Joe
Joe
2 years ago

Absolutely wonderful first rehearsal. Russia should book their ticket to the final if there’s any justice in this world.

Azimuth
Azimuth
2 years ago

Channel one have a really creative team. OK, Julia Samoylova was an epic fail, but Polina Gagarina, Dina Garipova, Alex Sparrow, Peter Nalitch, Anastasia Prikhodko, Serebro had all good stagings. Russia Channel on the other hand with Philip Kirkorov…

Last edited 2 years ago by Azimuth
Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

At first, meh… Later on, I start to like this one… Now, oh yes… me like….

Jessie
Jessie
2 years ago

Top 10 no doubt

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

The rehearsal video is finally on Eurovision’s Youtube channel and I’m loving everything I’ve seen so far. Also the backing vocals kept their formation around Manizha, which was my priority.

Sale
Sale
2 years ago

Where is Deban I miss him…

Séimí
Séimí
2 years ago
Reply to  Sale

Bring him back and ditch William, he’s beyond irritating.

ROXELANA
ROXELANA
2 years ago

I haven’t seen the video yet, but looking at the LED wall, and the photos, I am sure that this will qualify.

Ellen
Ellen
2 years ago

Jesus. What is this dress ? Lol

I’m intrigued by it. But I like the bright colours and the traditional patterns.

Julie
Julie
2 years ago

Does anybody know when are the meets and greets?

Leo
Leo
2 years ago

FACTS

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

WOW, that was amazing!!!

Agent 007
Agent 007
2 years ago

It was obvious from the very start, it is a Top10 material.

Errret
Errret
2 years ago

Yes Russia!