Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday with her song "Bangaranga" [1].
This victory marks the first time Bulgaria has ever won the international competition [4]. The win elevates the country's profile in the European music scene and secures its right to host the event in the future.
Dara, 27, performed at the Wiener Stadthalle in Austria [3]. Her entry, "Bangaranga," earned a total of 516 points [2] — the highest score of the night. The performance beat out the entry from Israel, which finished in second place [2].
Following the announcement of the results, Dara said, "It feels like a dream" [1]. Despite the eventual victory, the singer noted that she had faced internal struggles before the event. She said she had doubt and anxiety about taking part in the 2026 edition of the contest [3].
The 70th edition of the contest saw a wide range of results across Europe [1]. While Bulgaria celebrated its historic first win, other nations struggled. The United Kingdom finished in last place, receiving only one point [4].
The event concluded with a trophy ceremony in Vienna, where Dara was recognized for her victory [2]. The result confirms Bulgaria's emergence as a competitive force in the contest, moving from previous participations to the top of the scoreboard [4].
“"It feels like a dream."”
Bulgaria's first victory in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest signals a shift in the competition's regional dynamics. By defeating established contenders and securing a high point total of 516, Bulgaria has transitioned from a participant to a powerhouse, potentially increasing the cultural and economic visibility of the nation as it prepares for the responsibilities of hosting the event.
