Bulgaria Beats Out Israel In Politically Fraught Eurovision Final
Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with Dara's song 'Bangaranga'. This victory marks Bulgaria's first win in the competition's history, achieved in a highly charged political atmosphere. The final saw dramatic moments, including booing from the audience as Israel's entry briefly led before Bulgaria's win was announced.
- ▪Dara earned a total of 516 points, finishing 173 points ahead of Israel's Noam Bettan.
- ▪This was the first time since 2017 that juries and the public agreed on the same winner.
- ▪The audience reacted with boos when Israel temporarily took the lead during the public vote.
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BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentBulgaria Beats Out Israel In Politically Fraught Eurovision FinalByHannah Abraham,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hannah Abraham covers entertainment, culture and business.Follow AuthorMay 17, 2026, 01:53am EDTMay 17, 2026, 01:58am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Winner Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, aka Dara and representing Bulgaria with the song 'Bangaranga' (C) celebrates with the trophy after the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 (ESC) at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria on May 16, 2026.
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