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Bulgaria clinches first Eurovision win, DARA scores 516

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna as DARA’s “Bangaranga” earned 516 points, beating Israel by 173 points, the largest margin.
DARA, a 27-year-old pop star from Varna, secured Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory.
Thousands gathered at Sofia’s Knyaz Alexander I Square at 6:00 PM on 19 May to celebrate the win.
Mayor Vassil Terziev and Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the victory strengthens Bulgaria’s bid to host Eurovision 2027.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Helena Paparizou won the 50th Eurovision Song Contest for Greece with “My Number One,” earning 230 points—the nation’s first victory after 31 years of participation. The win followed Greece’s consistent final qualifications since the 2004 semi-final system and boosted the country’s international cultural standing within the European Broadcasting Union.

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Story summary

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna as DARA’s “Bangaranga” earned 516 points, beating Israel by 173 points, the largest margin.
DARA, a 27-year-old pop star from Varna, secured Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory.
Thousands gathered at Sofia’s Knyaz Alexander I Square at 6:00 PM on 19 May to celebrate the win.
Mayor Vassil Terziev and Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the victory strengthens Bulgaria’s bid to host Eurovision 2027.

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