site.btaArtists, Intellectuals and Politicians Elated at Dara's Eurovision Triumph

A host of Bulgarian artists, intellectuals and politicians, including some of the brightest stars on the national entertainment and intellectual scene and top government leaders, congratulated the singer Dara on winning the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her song "Bangaranga". The first Eurovision victory for Bulgaria came in the 70th edition of the contest and was announced at the end of the grand final on the night of Saturday to Sunday. It automatically means that Bulgaria will host the next installment.

Before the grand final, Dara received the Marcel Bezencon Artistic Award, named after the creator of Eurovision. The prestigious accolade was voted on by the Eurovision commentators.

Entertainers and intellectuals

Lili Ivanova, singer: A historic success for Bulgaria! A young and very talented singer: Dara.

Vasil Naydenov, singer: Bravo!

Georgi Gospodinov, writer: BlagoDara! (a portmanteau coined from Dara's name and sounding like the Bulgarian word for "thank you").

Maria Bakalova, actress: I am so proud!

Orlin Goranov, singer: Absolutely phenomenal, wonderful, and moving!

Yordanka Hristova, singer: The world is Bangaranga!

Molec, music band: She showed them how it's done!

Kristian Kostov, singer: Unapologetically perfect delivery during every performance, rehearsal, show.

Milena Milotinova, National Television (BNT) director: Truly incredible. Everyone, welcome to Sofia next year!

Politicians

President Iliana Iotova: Triumph for Dara! Triumph for Bulgaria!

National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova: You are an inspiration, Dara!

Prime Minister Rumen Radev: A Bulgarian victory with global resonance.

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov: Immense talent, boundless effort, and faith in success.

Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev: A showcase for a young Bulgarian artist on a European and global platform.

Agency for Bulgarians Abroad Director General Raina Mandzhukova: Broad voting support was mobilized for Dara in dozens of countries.

Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev: We showed we can do it, and together we will succeed.

Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov: My city wants to host Eurovision 2027.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev: The capital is the best prepared city in Bulgaria to host Eurovision.

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International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva: Congratulations to Dara for bringing so many people together through the power of music.