Singer Dara shared a video on YouTube, revealing that she has already seen the Eurovision stage in Vienna and feels more than ready for the start of the semifinals. She acknowledged that she is anticipating her participation in the Austrian capital with immense excitement.
After a three-year absence, Bulgaria is returning to the Eurovision stage. Dara will represent the country with her song "Bangaranga," and her performance will kick off the second semifinal on May 14 in Vienna. The grand final is scheduled for May 16.
The 70th edition of the musical competition begins tonight with the first semifinal. A total of 35 countries will compete under the motto "United by Music." However, five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland—have boycotted this year's edition due to their disagreement with Israel's participation.
Anti-Israeli demonstrations are expected in Vienna, and security measures in the city have been intensified. Austrian authorities warn that the risk of attacks linked to Islamist or pro-Iranian groups remains serious. Israel will be represented in the first semifinal by the performer Noam Beton.
Ten participants from the semifinals will reach the final on Saturday, while Austria, as the host and last year's winner, will be directly placed in the final night of the competition. This year, Finland is among the top favorites with the song "Liekinheitin" (Pyrotechnic) by Linda Lampinen and Peetu Parkkonen.
In recent years, Eurovision has increasingly found itself at the center of political tensions. Russia was expelled from the competition in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, and the 2024 and 2025 editions were marked by protests against Israel's participation due to the Gaza conflict.
This year's Eurovision feels like a political minefield, but Dara's confidence is a breath of fresh air. Can Bulgaria finally bring home the trophy after so many years? Let’s hope her performance lives up to the hype!