Eurovision Song Contest 2026 winner Dara has revealed that she almost dropped out of the competition before her historic victory. The Bulgarian singer, who won the 70th anniversary edition of the contest, admitted that she considered withdrawing to protect her mental health.
A Close Victory
Dara secured the win for Bulgaria with her song Bangaranga, earning a total of 561 points in a tense final that saw her narrowly beat Israel. This marks Bulgaria's first Eurovision victory, meaning the 2027 contest will be held in the country.
Dara's Background
Dara was selected by Bulgarian National Television after winning the 2026 Bulgarian national final, Natsionalnata Selektsiya. She is one of Bulgaria's most prominent pop musicians, known for her unique voice and commanding stage presence. Her hits include Thunder, Call Me, and Mr. Rover, and she has amassed over 80 million streams and views. She also served as a judge on The Voice of Bulgaria in 2021 and 2022.
Mental Health Struggles
Despite her success, Dara told BBC Newsbeat that she initially turned down the opportunity to represent Bulgaria. She explained that she was diagnosed with ADHD shortly before the competition and feared the pressure would be overwhelming. “The first time I said no because there were some things that I was not okay with in the contract. I immediately felt like I did something bad, that I'm not worthy,” she said. “I didn't want to risk my mental health to such a degree that I couldn't heal it.”
After being announced as Bulgaria's act, Dara recalled being left “shaking in her bed” for three hours as she tried to calm herself. However, she ultimately decided to participate and found the experience transformative. “Eurovision is so, so big - the biggest thing that artists can do. But I've never felt more calm on stage, more secure,” she gushed.
A Milestone Win
Dara's victory is a landmark moment for Bulgaria, which has never won the contest before. Her win has been celebrated across the country, and she has been praised for her bravery in speaking openly about her mental health challenges.
