Bulgaria Wins The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

VIENNA, May 17 (Bernama-dpa) -- Dara has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Austria for Bulgaria with the song "Bangaranga".

Political tensions over Israel's participation cast a shadow over the 70th edition of the competition, however, reported German news agency dpa.

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland boycotted in protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which was launched after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.

Hours before the final was to get underway, several thousand people took to the streets in Vienna to protest Israel taking part. A pro-Palestinian protest just before the final began led to a large police operation in the Austrian capital. Fourteen people were arrested.

According to Eurovision tradition, the competition next year will now be held in Bulgaria.

--BERNAMA-dpa