Following DARA’s victory as Bulgaria’s representative, the song selection final of Natsionalna Selektsiya 2026 concluded with the choice of “Bangaranga” as the winning entry, which will be the song the artist performs at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
The gala, held at the BNT public television studios in Sofia, allowed DARA to perform several entries, and “Bangaranga” was selected through a combination of the public televote and the professional jury’s evaluation.
With this selection, Bulgaria confirms its official candidacy for Eurovision 2026, betting on a song that combines DARA’s contemporary pop and electronic style.
The results of Natsionalna Selektsiya 2026
| Position | Song | Professional Jury | Online Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | “Bangaranga” | 30 | 19,119 |
| 2nd | “Curse” | 18 | 1,422 |
| 3rd | “This Is Me” | 12 | 1,075 |
Who is DARA? Meet the winner of Natsionalna Selektsiya 2026
DARA (1998) is considered one of the most well-known pop singers in Bulgaria and is also a prominent figure in the modern Balkan music scene. She delivers contemporary Bulgarian pop with her unique voice, commanding stage presence, and unrestrained genre-blending.
In addition to having several number 1 hits on Bulgaria’s official Airplay chart and being featured on New Music Friday playlists across Europe, her songs and videos have amassed over 80 million views to date. She has collaborated with composers and producers from the United States, Canada, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Romania, giving her a global reach.
DARA has worked with renowned talents such as Chris Young (who has worked with Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue), Jungleboi (ZAYN and Rihanna), Yoad Nevo, and Monoir. She has pushed the boundaries of Balkan pop and is now known for hits like “Thunder,” “Call Me,” and “Mr. Rover”, which dominated the charts for weeks.
DARA served as a coach on the Bulgarian version of ‘The Voice’ in 2021 and 2022. Her most intimate project to date, the album ADHDARA, was released in 2025. This project marked her transition from a recognized pop artist in her home country to an artist with a distinct international identity and an expanding global presence.