Eurovision in Vienna is just less than a month away. In the lead-up to the start of rehearsals, we will get to know a bit more about this year’s artists, their discography, and their Eurovision 2026 journey so far. The next artist in this year’s preview is Bulgaria’s DARA.
DARA’s Eurovision journey so far
Bulgaria officially returned to the Eurovision Song Contest this year after a four-year break. Broadcaster BNT organised a lengthy selection process whereby the artist would be chosen in January and have a month to create three songs fit for Eurovision. After winning the selection in January, DARA was able to write three songs for the Contest, although she toyed with withdrawing from the competition entirely. She was eventually chosen to sing “Bangaranga” in Vienna – and will open the second semi-final with her track.
DARA’s track for Eurovision, “Bangaranga”, was written by DARA herself, as well as Anne Judith Wik, Cristian Tarcea and Dimitris Kontopoulos.
What do we think of “Bangaranga”?
The team at That Eurovision Site has reacted to DARA’s entry for Vienna. Nicklas gave his thoughts on “Bangaranga”, which you can check out below.
Who is DARA?
DARA is the stage name of Darina Yotova, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter born in the Bulgarian city of Varna. She first rose to fame in 2015, when she finished third on the Bulgarian version of The X Factor. Since then, she has gone on to become one Bulgaria’s biggest stars, having a string of hits, including becoming a coach on The Voice of Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s Eurovision journey
Bulgaria are a country that really want to win the Eurovision Song Contest, especially since their return in 2016. Bulgaria debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2005 with the song ‘Lorraine’ sung by Kaffe, the song came 19th in the semi final scoring 49 points. Bulgaria’s best ever result came in 2017 with ‘Beautiful Mess’ by Kristian Kostov, the song placed 2nd in the Grand Final that year scoring 615 points.
In 2022, Bulgaria was represented by the Intelligent Music Project in Turin, where they sang the song “Intention”, placing 16th in the Semi-Final with 29 points.
What do you think of “Bangaranga”? Are you excited to see what DARA will do in Vienna? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, Threadsand Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2026!
News Source: That Eurovision Site /
Photo Credit: DARA
Silvia Stifini