Look: Bulgaria wins Eurovision Song Contest for first time
May 17 (UPI) -- Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time this weekend in Vienna.
DARA's "Bangaranga" took the top prize.
The New York Times said Iceland, Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain boycotted the 70-year-old competition because of Israel's participation.
The war in Gaza, as well as the Israeli government's social-media campaign for votes in the song contest, were given as reasons the countries bowed out, according to The Times.
Israel's Noam Bettan sang "Michelle" and ultimately came in second.
2026 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 9:05 AM.