The 70th edition of Eurovision took place on May 16th in Vienna, the capital of Austria. For the first time in its history, Bulgaria clinched the prize thanks to its singer Dara, who brought the title back to Sofia. Let’s find out more about this artist who has been thrust into the spotlight of the European stage.
As is customary for each edition, it was necessary to stay up late to find out who would win Eurovision 2026. For its 70th ceremony, the grand European song contest took place in Vienna, the capital of Austria. Tradition dictates that this spectacle, which brings together Europeans as well as Australia since 2015, be hosted in the winning country from the previous edition. After Johannes Pietsch, alias JJ, was crowned, it was around 1:05 in the morning when we learned of Dara’s victory, representing Bulgaria, while France with the young Monroe finished in 11th place.
A major first for Bulgaria
Dara delivers her country its first Eurovision victory. With her festive and catchy title “Bangaranga,” the singer succeeded in her endeavor. And she came a long way! Because Bulgaria is not one of the countries automatically qualified for the final round. Dara managed to make it out of the second semi-final, held on May 14th, which she brilliantly won with 278 points ahead of Romania and Australia.
Making it to the final, she repeated her success and won over both the audience and the jury, placing at the top of the rankings with 516 points ahead of Israel (343 points) and Romania (296 points). This popular approval allows Bulgaria to host the next competition in 2027. BNT, the Bulgarian public television, praised the victory of its representative:
“Her performance showed that Bulgarian artists can confidently compete on the grand European stage and captivate the attention of the international audience.“
From setbacks to national recognition
Dara — her real name Darina Yotova — made a name for herself on the Balkan music scene in 2015, on the Bulgarian version of the show “X Factor”. During that 4th season, she made it to the final but ultimately finished in 3rd place. Undeterred, she quickly bounced back and signed with the record label Virginia Records.
The year 2016 saw her rise to fame in Bulgaria. She released her first single, “K’vo ne chu,” which rose to the top of the national charts, and attempted to gain international recognition by offering an English version, “Onto You”. The attempt was successful, and she became a star in her country.
Her peers have shown their appreciation, awarding her the best female artist award at the BG Radio Awards in 2017, which she won again in 2025. Meanwhile, Dara became a coach in 2021 on the Bulgarian version of “The Voice,” a role she still holds today.
A well-established universe
Dara is fortunate to be artistically surrounded. She collaborates with top producers like Chris Young, who also works with Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue, as well as Jungleboi, known to be close to Rihanna. Her pop style allows her to transcend Bulgarian borders.
But Dara is not just about music, she also has a distinctive look and a well-established merchandising strategy. The artist sells her colored hair extensions as well as t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring her image. In short, she is a versatile musician, jack-of-all-trades, who could soon find a place in our playlists.
Sources: Le Parisien, Europe 1, This is Dara, BNT
