Music

Bulgaria's Dara Wins Eurovision 2026 with 'Bangaranga'

Dara from Bulgaria clinched the 70th annual Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Bangaranga.' Israel's Noam Bittan took second place with 'Michelle' amidst controversy surrounding controversy.

Rolling Stone·May 17, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Eurovision 2026

Bulgaria Wins Eurovision 2026 With Dara’s ‘Bangaranga’

Despite controversy over their inclusion, Israel takes second with Noam Bittan's "Michelle" at 70th annual Song Contest

By Daniel Kreps

Daniel Kreps

Contact Daniel Kreps on X

Contact Daniel Kreps by Email

- Bulgaria Wins Eurovision 2026 With Dara’s ‘Bangaranga’ - Young Dolph Shooter Pleads Guilty, Concluding Rapper’s Murder Case - Stephen Colbert’s Final Week ‘Late Show’ Guests: Springsteen, Jon Stewart, David Byrne

View all posts by Daniel Kreps

May 17, 2026

Bulgaria was the surprise winner at the 2026 Eurovision , with the country’s Dara and her “Bangaranga” victorious at the 70th annual Song Contest.

The win marked Bulgaria’s first Eurovision victory since joining the competition in 2005; the country did not send a performer to the previous three Eurovision Song Contests, and only returned in 2026 as a handful of countries opted out due to Israel’s inclusion .

Going into the finals, “Bangarang” was not among the favorites to take home the title, nor was it included among Rolling Stone ’s five most likely winners . However, it was Dara’s song about “bangaranga” — “a special energy that everyone has got in themselves, a feeling that everything is possible,” the singer explained — that was awarded the Crystal Microphone.

According to the Guardian , “Bangaranga” was inspired by “ kukeri – an ancient Bulgarian ritual where men roam through villages dressed in furry costumes with bells and animal masks.”