Bulgaria wins the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

EntertainmentMusic
17 May 2026 • 7:19 AM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

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Dara from Bulgaria, performs the song "Bangaranga" on the stage during the final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Wiener Stadthalle. (zu dpa: «Bulgaria wins the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest») Jens Büttner/dpa

Dara has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Austria for Bulgaria with the song "Bangaranga".

Political tensions over Israel's participation cast a shadow over the 70th edition of the competition, however.

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland boycotted in protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which was launched after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.

Hours before the final was to get under way, several thousand people took to the streets in Vienna to protest Israel taking part. A pro-Palestinian protest just before the final began led to a large police operation in the Austrian capital. Fourteen people were arrested.

According to Eurovision tradition, the competition next year will now be held in Bulgaria.

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