Vienna: Bulgaria’s Eurovision win came through singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga” at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, giving the country its first title.
Dara beat 24 other finalists at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on Saturday. Her upbeat track and tight dance routine scored strongly with juries and viewers.
Israeli singer Noam Bettan finished second with “Michelle,” a rock ballad in Hebrew, French and English. His entry drew loud cheers and scattered boos during the contest.
The final featured acts from 25 countries. Performers included Australia’s Delta Goodrem with “Eclipse,” Finland’s Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius with “Liekinheitin,” and Moldova’s Satoshi with “Viva, Moldova.”
Politics also shaped the 2026 contest. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia boycotted over Israel’s participation during the Gaza conflict.
Pro-Palestinian groups held demonstrations near the arena before the final. Organisers said last year’s Eurovision drew 166 million viewers worldwide.
Eurovision director Martin Green urged viewers to focus on the show. Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic said political controversy has followed the contest before, including Austria’s 1969 boycott of Spain.
The Bulgaria Eurovision win means Bulgaria is expected to host the next edition. The Eurovision Song Contest Asia spinoff is also scheduled for Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2026.
Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” giving Bulgaria its first-ever Eurovision victory.
