Bulgaria celebrated a historic night as DARA won the Eurovision Song Contest with her energetic and visually striking performance of “Bangaranga.” Israel finished in second place after a strong jury and televote showing, while Romania completed the podium in third. The result marks one of Bulgaria’s biggest modern music achievements and ensures that next year’s contest will be hosted in the Balkans once again, something not seen since Belgrade staged the event in 2008.
Among the regional participants, Albania recorded the strongest result, finishing 13th with Alis and the song “Nân.”
Croatia placed 15th with LELEK’s atmospheric entry “Andromeda,” while Serbia ended the competition in 17th position with “Kraj Mene” by LAVINA. Slovenia did not send a representative this year, officially citing its boycott of Israel’s participation in the contest.
North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina remained absent from Eurovision due to long-standing financial difficulties. Macedonian public broadcaster continues to face major budgetary constraints, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s is still suspended from participation because of outstanding debt obligations toward the European Broadcasting Union.
