Eurovision Song Contest 2026 explained: Bulgaria’s surprise win, boycotts, and what to expect for 2027
Bulgaria was crowned first time winners in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
With her song ‘Bangaranga’, Dara topped both the Jury and Public vote, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Portugal won in 2017.
Music News Blitz writer Will Gardener explains everything you need to know about this year’s jam-packed Eurovision Song Contest.
Bulgaria takes the crown
In the weeks leading up to the contest, bookmakers had Bulgaria at 16th in the odds but as the week commenced, they rose to third, demonstrating that Eurovision can simply be won in the week.
Back in February, Dara nearly pulled out of the competition, telling bTV: “My desire is killed and crushed by the negative comments. By the end of the day, I will decide whether to participate.”
But her staging brought ‘Bangaranga’ to life and gave Bulgaria an unforeseen win.
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What happened at this year's competition?
25 countries took the stage on May 16 in Vienna, following JJ’s win for Austria with his operatic ballad ‘Wasted Love’ in 2025.
Three countries returned, all placing within the top eight. Our eventual winners were Bulgaria, followed by Romania in third, and Moldova finishing eighth.
However, we saw five countries boycott the competition this year due to Israel’s participation and involvement in the war in Gaza.
Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands all chose not to send an act with the first three choosing not to broadcast the event.
We saw some favourites fall from grace as Finland were the heavy favourites to win the competition before they had even announced their act for this year's edition.
In the end, we saw them finish seventh.
But the woes of the United Kingdom continue, who have finished last three times since 2019 and got 0 points from the public for the third year in a row.
Israel came second again, repeating their success from last year and topping the leaderboard until the very last moment.
What can we expect in 2027?
We could see a major shakeup as the contest heads to the Balkans for the first time in 18 years.
At the moment, we are looking at a competition in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia.
However, we could see some changes in returnees as North Macedonia and Hungary have expressed an interest.
Furthermore, the contest's current lead sponsor could be shaken up as Israeli-owned hair care brand Moroccan Oil has ended after the 2026 contest.
The EBU may take action against Israel, creating a pathway for the boycotted countries to return in 2027.
In a competition that is becoming more divisive each year, will we finally see the continent be “United by Music”?
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