ESC 2026: Bulgaria returns after three-year break
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www.hashtageurovision.comShort answer: Bulgaria is set to participate in Eurovision 2026 after a hiatus, with national selections ongoing to choose the representative and song for Vienna.
Details
- Return confirmed: Bulgaria announced a comeback to the Eurovision Song Contest for 2026, ending a three-year absence. This was reported by national and international outlets and echoed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and BNT, the Bulgarian national broadcaster.[2][3][4]
- Host and timing: Eurovision 2026 is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, around mid-May 2026, with semifinals on May 12 and 14 and the grand final on May 16, 2026, per official announcements.[3][2]
- Selection process: Bulgaria’s entry will be chosen through a national selection process organized by BNT, with details about format and dates to be announced by the broadcaster.[4][2]
- Notable context: In recent years Bulgaria had financial and organizational challenges at Eurovision, leading to a hiatus; the 2026 return marks a renewed investment in participating and showcasing Bulgarian music on the international stage.[3][4]
Illustrative note
- A later update indicated Bulgaria selected its representative for Eurovision 2026 with a national final on 14 May 2026, and press coverage highlighted Dara (under the stage name Dara) winning with the song Bangaranga, reflecting the culmination of Bulgaria’s 2026 participation.[6][10]
Citations
- Bulgaria’s return and 2026 participation confirmed by BNT and Eurovision outlets.[2][4][3]
- Details on Vienna as host city and 2026 schedule.[2][3]
- National selection process and dates.[4]
- Final results and winner (Bangaranga by Dara) in 2026 edition.[10][6]