Bulgaria takes top prize, pushing Israel into second place.
Italy’s Sal Da Vinci finished fifth at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, held in Vienna, as Bulgaria claimed victory in a closely contested final on Saturday night.
Bulgaria’s Dara dominated the final with her song Bangaranga, accumulating 516 points from professional juries and the public televote to claim the title.
Israel finished second on 343 points, Romania third on 296, and Australia fourth on 287.
Per sempre sì
Sal Da Vinci finished fifth for Italy with 281 points, performing Per sempre sì, the winning song from the 2026 Sanremo Festival.
The Neapolitan singer was the 22nd act to appear on the stage on Saturday night.
His performance, enhanced by a bridal costume incorporating the Italian tricolour and a fireworks display, kept Italy within the top five.
Italy’s televote saw the public award Belgium the top 12 points for Dancing on the ice by Essyla.
Winner
Dara, 27, is one of Bulgaria’s most prominent pop artists and is already well known to domestic audiences as a coach on The Voice of Bulgaria.
Her winning song, whose title translates as “Chaos”, marked Bulgaria’s first ever victory in the Eurovision.
She finished 173 points ahead of Israel’s Noam Bettan – the biggest ever winning margin in the contest’s history.
Israel controversy
This year’s Eurovision was mired by political controversy linked to Israel’s participation, which prompted five countries – Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Spain – to boycott the competition.
Dismal result for UK
There was disappointment in the UK as its Eurovision entry – Eins, Zwei, Drei by Look Mum No Computer – came last, with just one point, from the Ukrainian jury.
Photo credit: Luigi Borrone / Shutterstock.com
