Bulgaria’s first-ever Eurovision Song Contest winner, Dara, has candidly revealed that she almost withdrew from the competition before her triumphant victory in Vienna. The revelation comes from the ‘Bangaranga’ singer, who brought the trophy home for her nation in May 2026. Dara spoke to BBC Newsbeat where she revealed that she almost withdrew from competing at Eurovision 2026 in order to protect her mental health.
A Shocking Revelation from Bulgaria’s Eurovision Queen
Dara, the sensational Bulgarian artist who captivated Europe with her infectious hit ‘Bangaranga’ and secured Bulgaria’s historic first-ever Eurovision victory in Vienna, has opened up about the immense pressure she faced, admitting she almost quit the competition. Her win at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on 16 May 2026 was a moment of national jubilation, but behind the scenes, the journey was fraught with challenges.
The 27-year-old singer, whose real name is Darina Yotova, confessed that she considered withdrawing from Eurovision following negative comments and speculation surrounding the fairness of the Bulgarian national selection process. These doubts emerged after her victory in the national artist selection on 31 January 2026, and the subsequent selection of ‘Bangaranga’ on 28 February 2026, which ultimately became the winning entry.
In fact she considered quitting from Eurovsion twice before securing her Eurovision victory.
Dara says:
The first time I said no because there were some things that I was not okay with in the contract
After Dara was announced as the 2026 Bulgarian Eurovision hopeful problems started to crop up.
DARA adds:
I immediately felt like I did something bad, that I’m not worthy, I didn’t want to risk my mental health to such a degree that I couldn’t heal it.
Overcoming Doubts to Make History
Despite the initial turmoil and the intense scrutiny, Dara persevered, delivering a hypnotic and tightly choreographed performance of ‘Bangaranga’ that resonated with both national juries and televoters across the continent. Her powerful stage presence and the song’s irresistible beats proved to be an unbeatable combination, culminating in a dominant win with 516 points. This marked a significant achievement, as Bulgaria had never before won the contest since its debut in 2005.
Dara’s win was particularly notable as ‘Bangaranga’ topped both the public and jury votes, a rare feat not seen since 2017. Her success has been hailed as a source of national pride and unity for Bulgaria, with many recognising her talent and hard work. An established name in her homeland, known for her participation in X Factor Bulgaria and as a mentor on ‘The Voice Bulgaria’, Dara has now cemented her place on the international stage.
Her journey from contemplating withdrawal to lifting the iconic glass microphone trophy serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and artistic integrity. Dara’s story is a reminder that even the most celebrated victories often hide battles fought and won behind the scenes.
