Eurovision 2026: a win for Bulgaria, fourth for Australia, and continued controversy for broadcasters

By Jess Carniel, Associate Professor in Humanities, University of Southern Queensland

In a surprising turn of events, Bulgaria have taken home the crystal microphone trophy for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with Dara’s infectious dance hit Bangaranga.

It is Bulgaria’s first-ever win and all the more poignant given this year marked the country’s return to the contest after a three-year hiatus as its public broadcaster, BNT, has grappled with financial contraints.

Hosting Eurovision in 2027, while expensive, is expected to provide a welcome…

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