May 17, 2026

Bulgaria was the surprise winner at the 2026 Eurovision, with the country’s Dara and her “Bangaranga” victorious at the 70th annual Song Contest.

The win marked Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory since joining the competition in 2005; the country did not send a performer to the previous three Eurovision Song Contests, and only returned in 2026 as a handful of countries opted out due to Israel’s inclusion.

Going into the finals, “Bangarang” was not among the favorites to take home the title, nor was it included among Rolling Stone’s five most likely winners. However, it was Dara’s song about “bangaranga” — “a special energy that everyone has got in themselves, a feeling that everything is possible,” the singer explained — that was awarded the Crystal Microphone.

According to the Guardian, “Bangaranga” was inspired by “kukeri – an ancient Bulgarian ritual where men roam through villages dressed in furry costumes with bells and animal masks.”

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For the second consecutive year — and despite controversy over their participation — Israel finished in second place, this time for Noam Bettan’s “Michelle.” Romania placed third with Alexandra Căpitănescu’s “Choke Me,” Australia finished fourth with Delta Goodrem’s “Eclipse,” and Italy — one of Rolling Stone’s picks to win — rounded out the top five with Sal da Vinci’s “Per Sempre Si.” The United Kingdom landed in last place among the 25 contestants in the finals.

With the win, the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Bulgaria; the winning country typically hosts the next year’s event, as the 2026 Eurovision was held in Vienna after Austria won last year with JJ’s “Wasted Love.”