Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest as the competition in Austria was overshadowed by protests, boycotts and demonstrations linked to Israel’s participation amid the genocide in Gaza.
The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena, where Bulgarian singer Dara secured first place with the song “Bangaranga,” earning 516 points from juries and viewers.
Israel finished second with 343 points, while Romania placed third with 296 points.
Five countries — Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iceland and Ireland — boycotted the competition in protest against Israel’s participation.
Israeli contestant Noam Bettan, who performed third during the final, was met with protests inside the arena as audience members waved Palestinian flags during the performance. Booing was also heard when Israel’s public vote results were announced.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard criticised Israel’s participation during the broadcast, writing on social media that “there should be no stage for Israel at Eurovision while there is an ongoing genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid.”
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Protests in Vienna
More than 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Christian Broda Square in Vienna and marched toward the Wiener Stadthalle venue, hours before the final.
Protesters carried banners that read: “Don’t celebrate genocide” and “Israel, killer of children and people,” while chanting slogans, including “Boycott Israel” and “No stage for genocide.”
International activists, artists and civil society representatives urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude Israel from the contest and urged countries, including Austria, to end political, economic and military cooperation with Israel.
A separate concert, “Song Protest – No Stage for Genocide,” was held on Friday at Vienna’s Maria-Theresien Square, bringing together international artists and activists expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticising the EBU’s stance on Israel’s participation.