Russia's Controversial Eurovision Entry Challenges Tradition
Russia’s Controversial Eurovision Entry Challenges Tradition Manizha Sangin has never been your typical Russian popstar. A refugee from Tajikistan and outspoken pro-LGBT feminist, the art pop singer’s March selection by public vote on state television to represent her adopted country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in the Dutch city of Rotterdam stunned Russia’s musical establishment. With Russia’s turn towards social conservatism deepening amid laws clamping down on homosexuality and decriminalizing domestic violence, the 29-year-old singer, who performs as Manizha, seems to...