Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, while Israel – facing a boycott from five countries and widespread protests over the Gaza war – placed second.
Bulgarian pop singer Darina Yotova, known by her stage name Dara, triumphed with the upbeat song “Bangaranga” at the 70th edition of the world's largest live television music event, held at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in the Austrian capital Vienna.
“I can't believe it. I don't even know what's happening anymore,” Dara said at the post-victory press conference.
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov hailed the win on Facebook as “a wonderful story of huge talent, tireless effort and faith in success, despite all the criticism.”
Around 10,000 spectators in glamorous attire packed the arena for the final, where geopolitical tensions seeped into the glittering atmosphere. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia staged the largest political boycott in Eurovision history against Israel's participation, citing its military campaign in Gaza that has killed over 72,740 Palestinians since October 2023.
Israeli singer Noam Bettan received cheers but also some boos as he performed the rock ballad “Michelle” in Hebrew, French and English. Earlier, four people were ejected from the venue for trying to disrupt his semifinal performance. This marks the second consecutive year Israel has finished runner-up.
Eurovision organizers tightened voting rules this year following allegations that Israel ran a lobbying campaign to secure votes. Hundreds of protesters opposing Israel's participation marched near the arena before the final, carrying banners reading “Block Eurovision.” Pro-Palestinian groups also held an outdoor concert titled “No stage for genocide.”
Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, one of Eurovision's major sponsors, not only boycotted the contest but also refused to air the show. Meanwhile, Belgian broadcaster VRT stated before the final that it would struggle to participate in next year's Eurovision unless the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer, holds a direct vote on Israel's participation.
