Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria Wins First-Ever Title as Israel Finishes Second in Nail-Biting Final

Bulgaria is celebrating its first-ever Eurovision victory. Singer Dara took the crown at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her party anthem "Bangaranga," beating 24 other competitors during Saturday's grand final in Vienna, Austria. The song's infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine proved a massive hit with both viewers and national juries.

Until the final public vote was announced, it appeared that Israel's Noam Bettan was set to win. Bettan performed "Michelle," a rock ballad in Hebrew, French, and English, to a mix of loud cheers and a smattering of boos. He finished second. Romania's Alexandra Căpitănescu came third with the provocatively titled rock song "Choke Me." Australian star Delta Goodrem was fourth with the slick midtempo ballad "Eclipse." Italian crooner Sal Da Vinci came fifth with "Per Sempre Si" ("Forever Yes"). The Finnish duo of pop star Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius – strong favourites on betting markets – ended up in sixth place.

Dara, one of the most well-known pop acts in the modern Balkan music scene and a mentor on "The Voice Bulgaria," had not been among the favourites to win. Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic said the contest often produces surprises. "Eurovision has never really been a contest for big stars. It's largely been a contest for underdogs," Vuletic said. "People like to see the underdog on stage. They like to see the artist-in-the-making on stage or an artist from a smaller, poorer country on stage."

Politics, as always, shadowed the spectacle. There was tight security around the venue and across the Austrian capital, with pre-show demonstrations erupting over Israel's participation and its war on Gaza. Five countries chose to boycott the proceedings entirely. Spain was the biggest nation to step aside – as a member of the 'Big 5' (the contest's main financial backers), its absence created a financial and potential audience gap for the European Broadcasting Union to fill. The four other boycotting nations were Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia.

Hundreds marched near the contest arena before Saturday's final, some holding placards saying "Block Eurovision." Pro-Palestinian groups also staged an outdoor concert on Friday under the banner "No Stage for Genocide." For some, this 70th edition will go down as perhaps the most divisive in recent memory, after months of protest and infighting.

On stage, the music prevailed. The musicians had just three minutes to win over viewers, and Bulgaria's Dara used every second. "Bangaranga" delivered the sort of pop banger Eurovision does so well, with its irresistible exhortation: "Surrender to the blinding lights. No one's gonna sleep tonight. Welcome to the riot." She was one of several female artists who moved the crowd with powerful performances. Others of note included Germany's Sarah Engels with a soulful ballad, Poland's Alicja with a gospel-tinged R&B song, and Ukraine's Leléka, who enchanted the audience with her act. Sweden's Felicia and France's Monroe separately opted for techno-pop and opera-pop.

The night belonged to Dara. The underdog from Bulgaria took the trophy, the crowd, and the continent. Israel took second place. And five countries took a stand – from their living rooms. Eurovision 2026 will be remembered for many things: the music, the politics, and the sheer improbability of a Balkan pop star named Dara becoming the queen of Europe. For one night, at least, that was more than enough.

Written by Christiane Hofreiter