Despite controversy over their inclusion, Israel takes second with Noam Bittan’s “Michelle” at 70th annual Song Contest<\/p>\n
\n\tBulgaria was the surprise winner at the 2026 Eurovision<\/a>, with the country\u2019s Dara and her \u201cBangaranga\u201d victorious at the 70th annual Song Contest.<\/p>\n \n\tThe win marked Bulgaria\u2019s first Eurovision victory since joining the competition in 2005; the country did not send a performer to the previous three Eurovision Song Contests, and only returned in 2026 as a handful of countries opted out due to Israel\u2019s inclusion<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tGoing into the finals, \u201cBangarang\u201d was not among the favorites to take home the title, nor was it included among Rolling Stone\u2019s five most likely winners<\/a>. However, it was Dara\u2019s song about \u201cbangaranga\u201d \u2014 \u201ca special energy that everyone has got in themselves, a feeling that everything is possible,\u201d the singer explained \u2014 that was awarded the Crystal Microphone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tAccording to the Guardian<\/a>, \u201cBangaranga\u201d was inspired by \u201ckukeri\u00a0\u2013 an ancient Bulgarian ritual where men roam through villages dressed in furry costumes with bells and animal masks.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\tTrending Stories<\/p>\n \n\tFor the second consecutive year \u2014 and despite controversy over their participation \u2014 Israel finished in second place, this time for Noam Bettan\u2019s \u201cMichelle.\u201d Romania placed third with Alexandra C\u0103pit\u0103nescu\u2019s \u201cChoke Me,\u201d Australia finished fourth with Delta Goodrem\u2019s \u201cEclipse,\u201d and Italy \u2014 one of Rolling Stone\u2019s picks to win<\/a> \u2014 rounded out the top five with Sal da Vinci\u2019s \u201cPer Sempre Si.\u201d The United Kingdom landed in last place among the 25 contestants in the finals.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n