The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest took place on May 16th in Vienna, the capital of Austria. For the first time in history, Bulgaria clinched the coveted title thanks to its singer Dara, who brought the trophy back to Sofia. Let’s find out more about this artist who has been thrust into the European spotlight.
As with every edition, it was a late night to find out who would win Eurovision 2026. For its 70th edition, the renowned European song contest was held in Vienna, Austria. Traditionally, this spectacle unites Europeans and Australia since 2015 and is organized in the winning country from the previous year’s edition. Following Johannes Pietsch’s victory, also known as JJ, Dara, the representative from Bulgaria, emerged victorious around 1:05 in the morning while France, represented by the young Monroe, finished in 11th place.
A Major First for Bulgaria
Dara gives her country its first Eurovision victory. With her catchy and lively song “Bangaranga,” the singer succeeded in her quest. And she did it against the odds, as Bulgaria is not automatically qualified for the final. Dara had to rise from the second semi-final on May 14th, which she brilliantly won with 278 points ahead of Romania and Australia.
Making it to the final, she repeated her success by winning over both the audience and the jury, placing first with 516 points ahead of Israel (343 points) and Romania (296 points). This overwhelming support means Bulgaria will host the next contest in 2027. The Bulgarian National Television (BNT) praised the victory of their representative:
“Her performance showed that Bulgarian artists can compete confidently on the grand European stage and captivate the attention of the international audience.”
From Breakthroughs to National Recognition
Dara, whose real name is Darina Yotova, gained recognition on the Balkan music scene in 2015 through the Bulgarian version of “X Factor.” In the show’s fourth season, she made it to the finals but ultimately finished third. Undeterred, she quickly bounced back by signing with the record label Virginia Records.
In 2016, she made waves in Bulgaria with her debut single “K’vo ne chu,” which rose to the top of the national charts. She aimed for international fame by releasing an English version titled “Onto You.” This move paid off, establishing her as a star in her home country.
Her talents were acknowledged by her peers with the Best Female Artist award at the BG Radio Awards in 2017, a title she reclaimed in 2025. In the meantime, Dara became a coach in 2021 on the Bulgarian version of “The Voice,” a role she continues to fulfill to this day.
A Well-Established Universe
Dara is fortunate to have strong artistic support. She collaborates with top producers like Chris Young, who has worked with Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue, as well as Jungleboi, known for his ties to Rihanna. Her pop style transcends Bulgarian borders.
But Dara is not just about music; she also has a distinctive look and a well-established merchandise line. The artist sells her colored extensions along with t-shirts and sweaters featuring her image. In essence, she is a versatile musician who could soon find a place in our playlists.
You can listen to all of Dara’s discography on Deezer, including her hit song “Bangaranga,” forever etched in Eurovision history.
Sources: Le Parisien, Europe 1, This is Dara, BNT
