Bulgaria claims first Eurovision victory as Israel takes second place
The 70th edition of the contest concludes with Bulgaria’s first triumph, ending a three-year absence from the competition and sparing the European Broadcasting Union from hosting duties in 2027.
Bulgarian singer Dara has secured the country’s first-ever victory at the Eurovision Song Contest, winning the 70th edition of the competition on Sunday with her track "Bangaranga". The result marks a significant milestone for the southeast European nation, which had previously participated in the annual event without claiming the top spot.
Dara’s performance, described as a pop anthem with folklore influences inspired by the ancient kukeri ritual, accumulated a total of 516 points. The victory was confirmed during the final televote reveal, where Dara overtook the runner-up, Israel, who finished with 343 points.
The win concludes a period of absence for Bulgaria, which had not participated in the contest for the previous three years. The return to the competition highlights a renewed engagement with the event, culminating in a decisive victory that distinguishes the nation from its long-standing competitors.
The outcome has procedural implications for the European Broadcasting Union, the organisation responsible for managing the contest. By winning, Bulgaria avoids the logistical complexities associated with hosting the 2027 edition, allowing the union to maintain its current operational arrangements without the need for a new host city selection process.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest thus concludes with a historic result for Bulgaria, setting the stage for future iterations while leaving the hosting responsibilities for the 2027 event to be determined by the union’s existing frameworks.
