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Bulgaria win Eurovision Song Contest

Dara of Bulgaria reacts on stage after winning the grand final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.Image source, EPA
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Bulgaria has been crowned the winner of the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Singer Dara, and her catchy entry Bangaranga, finished top of the leaderboard in Vienna.

It's the first time that the country has won the competition.

Dara topped both the public and the jury vote in a nail-biting conclusion, to take the top spot, ahead of Israel who finished second.

What happened in the Eurovision final?

Akylas of Greece performs the song 'Ferto'.Image source, EPA
Image caption,

Greece's entry Akylas was dressed as a cat during his performance

The contest was held in Austria's capital Vienna, following JJ's 2025 victory with their operatic ballad, Wasted Love.

25 countries took part in the event, however a number of other countries decided to boycott the competition.

Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all chose not to send an act to perform.

The boycotts are because of Israel's participation in the competition and the Israeli government's actions during the war in Gaza.

Delta Goodrem performing for Australia.Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Australia's Delta Goodrem was seen as one of the favourites to win

Going into the competition, Finland and Australia were widely considered to be the favourites to win.

But it was Dara's performance for Bulgaria that stole the show.

The singer is a major pop star in her home country, and she is a coach on the country's version of The Voice.

The 27-year-old topped both the public and the jury vote in a dramatic ending.

Her massive score of 516 points soared ahead of second-placed Israel, and Romania who finished in third.

Monroe representing France.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

France was represented by 17-year-old singer Monroe, the youngest performer at this year's event

Speaking backstage after lifting the crystal microphone trophy, Dara said she was grateful for the public's support.

"I want to thank everybody who felt the Bangaranga and felt connected to the force," she explained.

Bulgarian National Television also confirmed next year's contest will be held in the country's capital, Sofia.

How did the UK do?

English musician Sam Battle, aka Look Mum No Computer representing Great Britain with the song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'.Image source, Getty Images

It was a disappointing night for the UK's entry - electronic music artist and YouTuber Look Mum, No Computer.

The performer, whose real name is Sam Battle, finished in last place with one point with his song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'

It is the third time since 2020 that the UK has placed last in the contest.

The musician predicted his result earlier in the week, admitting that his track was "Marmite - you either love it or hate it".

After the contest, he put a positive spin on his loss.

"Bulgaria honestly deserved winner!" he posted on social media. "The most important thing is we all tried our hardest... regardless of the outcome!"