Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday as Israel finished second in a competition overshadowed by political tensions, broadcaster boycotts and protests linked to the war in Gaza.
Bulgarian singer Dara secured victory in Vienna with her dance-pop entry “Bangaranga,” delivering an upset win at the 70th edition of the annual music event.
The performance drew some of the loudest reactions inside the Wiener Stadthalle arena, where around 10,000 spectators gathered for the grand final.
“This is unbelievable. I don’t even know what’s going on right now,” Dara said after the result was announced.
Israel’s Noam Bettan took second place with “Michelle,” a multilingual rock ballad performed in Hebrew, French and English.
It marked the second consecutive year that Israel finished as runner-up in the contest.
This year’s Eurovision was dominated by controversy surrounding Israel’s continued participation amid the war in Gaza.
Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia withdrew from the competition, staging what organizers described as the largest political boycott in Eurovision history.
The countries cited Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and concerns over alleged efforts to influence voting for the Israeli entry.
Spanish broadcaster RTVE also declined to air the contest despite traditionally being one of Eurovision’s strongest supporters.
Belgian broadcaster VRT warned it could reconsider future participation unless the European Broadcasting Union holds a direct vote on Israel’s involvement.
Eurovision organizers tightened voting rules this year following accusations that Israeli broadcaster KAN promoted coordinated mass voting campaigns.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the Vienna venue ahead of the final, with protesters carrying signs reading “Block Eurovision.”
During Bettan’s performances throughout the week, some audience members waved Palestinian flags, turned their backs or booed, while supporters responded with cheers.
Earlier in the contest, several protesters were removed from the arena after attempting to disrupt Israel’s semifinal appearance.
Despite the tensions, organizers avoided major disruptions during the live broadcast and completed the anniversary edition without significant incidents.
Questions remain, however, over whether the participating broadcasters that withdrew this year will return to future editions of the contest.