For a long time, Russia was very secretive about the submission. In the end, Manizha’s “Russian woman” was chosen from a preliminary round with three songs. Manizha was born in Tajikistan but soon moved to Moscow. In addition to making music, she draws attention to feminism, LGBTI + rights and domestic violence. It meant that not everyone in Russia was happy with her selection.

Eurovision 2026
Vienna 12 points: here are the 10 finalists
Here are the 10 finalists! After an exciting semi-final full of standout performances, tense voting and memorable staging, the countries advancing to the Grand Final have now been revealed. These acts will return to the Eurovision stage for one more performance, keeping their hopes alive of taking home this year’s Eurovision Song Contest trophy soon. Moldova EBU/Corinne Cumming Sweden EBU/Alma Bengtsson Croatia EBU/Corinne Cumming Greece EBU/Corinne Cumming Finland EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Israel EBU/Corinne Cumming Belgium EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Lithuania EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Poland EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Serbia EBU/Alma Bengtsson