Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria wins as nail-biting final sees Israel finish second

Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision song contest with singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga.”

Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in the Austrian capital Vienna. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a massive hit with both viewers and national juries.

It’s Bulgaria’s first-ever victory at Eurovision.

Dara is one of the most well-known pop acts in the modern Balkan music scene and a mentor on “The Voice Bulgaria,” but had not been among the favorites to win.

Until the final public vote was announced it appeared as if Israel's Noam Bettan was set to win the contest.

Bettan was loudly cheered, though there was a smattering of boos as he performed “Michelle,” a rock ballad in Hebrew, French and English.

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,” and Italian crooner Sal Da Vinci came fifth with “Per Sempre Si,” or “Forever Yes.”

The Finnish duo of pop star Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius, who were strong favorite on betting markets, ended up in sixth place.

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 the artist-in-the-making on stage or an artist from a smaller, poorer country on stage.”