Bulgaria won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, securing its first-ever victory as this year’s competition was overshadowed by political controversy.
Bulgarian singer Dara won with Bangaranga, defeating Israel’s Noam Bettan by 173 points, the largest winning margin in Eurovision history.
The result marked Bulgaria’s first Eurovision title and the first time since 2017 that both the jury and public vote backed the same winner.
Bulgaria won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara’s song “Bangaranga,” beating Israel and Romania in the final. pic.twitter.com/4oXe0uGTYP
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 17, 2026
Israel finished second despite calls for a boycott over its participation.
Five countries — Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands — boycotted the event over the conflict in Gaza.
“We will not be at Eurovision, but we will do so with the conviction of being on the right side of history,” said Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Protests were held outside the venue in Vienna, while reports from inside the arena said boos were heard when Israel briefly moved into the lead during voting.
During Israel’s performance at Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna, a Palestinian flag was unfurled in the audience near the Israeli delegation.
Hundreds also protested outside the arena. pic.twitter.com/G8Co8JGFFb
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 16, 2026
Israel’s participation is allowed because Eurovision is based on membership in the European Broadcasting Union, not geography alone.
The broadcasting alliance includes members beyond Europe, including Israel.
Israel lands second place in Eurovision for second year in a row.
Noam Bettan proudly held the Israeli flag onstage despite campaigns to try and stop Israel competing.
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands boycotted this year’s event. pic.twitter.com/qwT30JNW4p
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 17, 2026
Australia also competes despite not being geographically European. It was initially invited because of Eurovision’s popularity there and remained in the contest.
Romania finished third, Australia fourth, and Finland sixth.
The boycott marked one of the most significant political disputes in Eurovision’s history, but the contest proceeded as scheduled.
In line with Eurovision tradition, next year’s competition is expected to be hosted by Bulgaria.
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