DARA attracts attention at Eurovision 2026 with her talent and wild energy

“With Eurovision, you are never alone” - this was the message that opened the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and hosted this year in Vienna. Thirty-five public broadcasters are competing with songs in the contest, and the 70th edition of the competition is marked by Bulgaria’s spectacular return, featuring the captivating presence of DARA and her entry “Bangaranga.”

The contest is taking place under heightened security measures in Vienna due to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, while several countries are boycotting the event and not broadcasting it. The reasons include suspicions of voter manipulation by Israel last year, as well as criticism related to the war in Gaza, according to BNT, which is responsible for Bulgaria’s participation.

Following the spectacular televised show from Vienna’s Stadthalle on May 12, the first 10 entries advancing to the final on May 16 have already been announced: Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland. The grand stage offered striking choreography, impressive visual effects, and powerful sound production. A notable trend was the strong presence of national languages - despite Eurovision’s international character, English was not dominant among the songs of the first competition night.

The show also featured a Bulgarian presence: in a special segment, fans, organisers, and former participants shared their emotional connection to the contest. Among them was Victoria Georgieva, who qualified Bulgaria for the Eurovision final in Rotterdam in 2021. “The strongest moment was on stage - the feeling of the audience’s energy and support. It is a feeling I still carry with me today,” she said.

The Bulgarian entry will open the second semi-final night on May 14 - the moment when audiences around the world, with the exception of Bulgaria, can support our talented representative DARA and her song “Bangaranga”.

DARA’s official Eurovision 2026 video for “Bangaranga” has been released

“I have been preparing for this important moment in my life and in the lives of Bulgarians all over the world for months - to represent Bulgaria at Eurovision. On May 14, I will be the first to step on stage and open the entire show with ‘Bangaranga’. I would be very grateful if you could support us at this important moment”, the singer shared in a message circulated on social media.

At Eurovision 2026, DARA counts on the support of Bulgarians across Europe

“Bangaranga is a special energy that everyone carries within themselves - the moment you choose to live through love rather than fear. The moment you decide to be brave and be yourself,” DARA explained in an interview for Austrian broadcaster ORF on the Eurovision turquoise carpet, where she drew attention with an eye-catching outfit inspired by Bulgarian tradition - a modern interpretation of a kukeri costume, designed to ward off evil spirits and present Bulgarian identity.

“I said at the beginning of the year that I would be a kuker, and this is my version - the costume is made of hair,” DARA explained to the team of the Bulgarian independent website for the Eurovision. “I am very happy to meet so many people from different countries, as they really like ‘Bangaranga’ and give me amazing energy.”

DARA calls on Bulgarians worldwide for Eurovision support

For 70 years, Eurovision fans have been the true heart of the contest, and DARA appears to have won their attention with her energy, openness, striking visual identity, and of course - “Bangaranga”.

Support for DARA is coming from many directions, with Facebook groups of Bulgarians around the world mobilising compatriots to vote.

“This is our chance - the chance for all Bulgarians abroad to show that we are strong, united, and standing behind our girl,” wrote Bulgarians from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in a Facebook post. “DARA will open the second semi-final - an honour, but also a huge responsibility.”

According to the new rules, fans can vote from anywhere in the world, not only from participating countries. Viewers in countries taking part in the second semi-final can vote via the methods shown in the image, but cannot vote for their own country’s artist.

For all other Bulgarians worldwide, there is an even easier way: vote online at ESC.VOTE. The “Rest of the World” vote is equivalent to an entire country’s vote - and may prove decisive. On May 14, support DARA with No. 1 on ESC.VOTE, no matter where you live.

A special message also came from the prima of Bulgarian pop music: “Good luck to the young and talented singer DARA/Darina Yotova! Dear Bulgarian girl, Bulgaria is proud of you! Be happy and… BANGARANGA!” - wrote Bulgarian pop diva Lili Ivanova on Facebook.

Edited by Elena Karkalanova