manizha could come dead last in the esc final but she'd still be a winner for showing the world a side of russia that never gets representation. a refugee representing russia is huge. poc and lgbt ppl being shown on screen during russia's act is huge. having the guts to criticise misogyny in russia is huge (russian conservatives have been complaining about her song in parliament and she's even received death threats for challenging the sexism russian women suffer). and she did it in a way that didn't degrade russia, but honoured its traditions and culture. ppl underrate it, but russian woman is one of the most important songs ever at eurovision. she used her performance to spread an important message to the people of russia, one that uplifts women and minorities, and challenges those who antagonise them. I've never been so invested in a eurovision act and performer.
