DARA has officially been selected as Bulgaria’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The Bulgarian pop star will perform the song “Bangaranga” and is set to open the second semi-final of this year’s competition in Vienna.
Known for pushing the boundaries of modern Bulgarian pop music, DARA first rose to fame after competing in the Bulgarian edition of X Factor. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation across the Balkan music scene with successful singles such as “Thunder”, “Call Me” and “Mr. Rover”.
According to the official Eurovision website, DARA won both the public vote and the jury vote during Bulgaria’s national selection process, securing her place at Eurovision 2026 in convincing fashion.
DARA won 2021 Muzzik Video Award for THUNDER, photo: Muzzik TV
DARA is also well known to regional music audiences through her success at the MVA 2021 awards, where she won in the category Best Electro Dance Music Video. The MVA competition is organized by MUZZIK TV, one of the most important music television platforms and streaming applications in the Balkans dedicated to contemporary international and regional music. Over the years, MUZZIK has become a unique guide through diverse genres including electronic, alternative, rock, pop and urban music.
DARA described “Bangaranga” as a song inspired by Bulgarian folklore traditions and the powerful energy of kukeri rituals, celebrating fearlessness, individuality and freedom.
Bulgaria returns to Eurovision this year after a break from the competition, and many Eurovision fans already see DARA as one of the country’s strongest entries in recent years.