Bulgaria has secured its first-ever victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, with Dara's party anthem Bangaranga winning both the jury and public votes. The final, held in Vienna on Saturday night, saw the Bulgarian entry score 516 points, far ahead of Israel's second-placed Michelle with 343 points.
The win was met with widespread celebration in Bulgaria, a country that has faced years of political instability, including eight elections in five years. Prime Minister Rumen Radev praised Dara, whose real name is Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, as proof that talent and professionalism can overcome challenges. Foreign Minister described her as the country's greatest young ambassador.
Dara, 27, said Bangaranga represents a quiet belief that everything will be all right in a turbulent world. She described the victory as a dream, noting that nobody believed she could win. The contest was boycotted by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland over Israel's participation, with pro-Palestinian protests outside the venue.
The United Kingdom finished last with just one point for its entry Ein, Zwei, Drei by Look Mum No Computer. Bulgaria is already planning for 2027, with both Sofia and Burgas vying to host next year's event. Dara received a red carpet welcome upon her return to Sofia on Sunday evening.
