Bulgarian singer Dara has emerged winner of the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, delivering Bulgaria its first-ever victory in the competition’s history.
The 27-year-old was declared winner early Sunday after outperforming 24 other finalists in the world’s largest live televised music competition.
Dara was not widely tipped as a pre-contest favourite but gained momentum during Eurovision week with a high-energy performance of her song Bangaranga, which featured fast-paced choreography and a vibrant stage presentation.
Israel finished in second place.
The singer expressed surprise at her win ahead of the final, saying she approached the competition without expectations.
“I don’t expect anything. And when presents come for me, I just hug them,” she said in an interview with Bulgarian national television after the semi-final stage.
She added that her focus was on enjoying the performance and connecting with the audience.
“I love being on stage and I love what I felt during the performance… I’m so grateful for that,” she said.
The winning entry, Bangaranga, carries a title derived from Jamaican Patois meaning “riot,” and was described by Dara as a message of emotional freedom and self-belief.
She explained that the song reflects a sense of inner energy and choosing love over fear.
“Everything Is Possible,” one of the themes she associated with the performance, became a central message in her Eurovision campaign.
Born in the Black Sea city of Varna, Dara, whose full name is Darina Yotova, began her music journey as a child, performing traditional Bulgarian folk music before transitioning into pop.
She rose to national fame after competing in X Factor Bulgaria in 2015, with her debut single K’vo ne chu becoming a chart-topping hit in 2016.
Her career has since included multiple awards, television appearances, and large-scale performances, including serving as a coach on The Voice of Bulgaria and opening for international artist Robbie Williams in Sofia.
This year’s victory has sparked national celebration in Bulgaria, a country with a population of about 6.5 million and a large diaspora across Europe.
The win also marks a symbolic cultural milestone, as Bulgaria returned to the competition after a brief absence due to financial constraints.
Ahead of the final, public officials and fans across the country expressed strong support for Dara, describing her as a symbol of national pride on the international stage.
