Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Lifestyle
RFI

Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest, Israel comes second again

DARA, representing Bulgaria, the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, holds the trophy during the Grand Final in Vienna, Austria, May 17, 2026. © Lisa Leutner / Reuters

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday in a final overshadowed by five countries' boycott over Gaza, claiming a dramatic victory despite another big public vote for Israel that again secured it second place. France finished in 11th place.

Acts from 25 countries, whittled down from an initial 35, took the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna to battle for 70th Eurovision Song Contest – the continent’s pop crown.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.