Bulgaria's Dara wins Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest final in Austria's capital, Vienna, on Saturday night with the song "Bangaranga" amid a boycott by five countries over Israel's participation. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine proved a hit with both national juries and viewers, whose votes together decide the winner. Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in Vienna. The Eurovision Song Contest described Dara as "one of the most well-known pop musicians in her country, shaping the image of contemporary Bulgarian pop with her unique voice, commanding stage presence and unrestrained genre-blending." It's the first time Bulgaria has won the contest.Israel finished second ahead of Romania, Australia and Italy to round out the top five. Germany placed 23rd, and the UK was last in the 25th spot. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia have pulled out of the world's biggest live music contest, now in its 70th year, in protest at Israel's involvement. "We will not be in Vienna, ​but we will do so with the conviction that we are on the right side of history," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X on ​Friday