Author: staff
Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday, securing Bulgaria’s first-ever victory in the competition with her energetic dance anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara triumphed over 24 other finalists during the grand final, impressing both national juries and viewers with a high-energy performance and tightly choreographed routine. Israeli singer Noam Bettan finished in second place, while Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third. Although not considered among the pre-contest favourites, Dara gained momentum throughout Eurovision week. The final, hosted in Austria after last year’s Austrian victory, once again drew millions of viewers across Europe and beyond.
By Liam Gilliver & Agata Todorow & Tokunbo Salako Published on 16/05/2026 – 19:05 GMT+2•Updated 17/05/2026 – 1:53 GMT+2 Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision song contest with singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in the Austrian capital Vienna. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a massive hit with both viewers and national juries. But until the final public vote was announced it appeared as if Israel was set to win the contest. It’s Bulgaria’s first-ever Eurovision victory. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third with the provocatively titled rock song “Choke Me.” Australian star…
Tensions over Israel’s participation in the contest flared up earlier in the week, when artist Noam Bettan performed pop-ballad “Michelle” to audible boos and chants during the semifinal. Four audience members had to be removed for “disruptive behavior,” according to organizers. It was Bulgaria’s first victory in the competition, having debuted in 2005. Bulgaria was returning in 2026 after a four-year break from the contest due to financial constraints at the public broadcaster. Bulgaria’s booming dance anthem was a high-energy crowd pleaser in Vienna, but wasn’t originally tipped to win, up against more favored entries from Finland or Australia. The…
Austria witnessed renewed protests over Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, as several hundred demonstrators gathered near Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hours before the 2026 grand final. Protest organisers and speakers addressed supporters in a nearby square before marchers carrying Palestinian flags and banners moved towards the arena, which was secured by police barriers and patrols. The demonstration reflected continuing tensions surrounding the competition, now facing a third consecutive year of controversy linked to the war in Gaza and wider regional instability. Austrian authorities kept streets around the venue open while closely monitoring the march through the capital.…
Published on 16/05/2026 – 20:19 GMT+2 Several people were injured after a car ploughed into pedestrians in the city centre of Modena, in northern Italy. Eight people were injured, four of them critically, Mayor Massimo Mezzetti told Italian TV. He said a woman pinned against a shop window may require the amputation of both legs. Of the critically injured, two people have been transferred to the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna and two to the hospital in Modena. The driver was identified as a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, living in the province of Modena, with no previous convictions. He…
Around 4,000 police officers were deployed across London on Saturday as tens of thousands of demonstrators took part in two major rallies held simultaneously in the British capital during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson gathered in central London for a “Unite the Kingdom” march under heavy security, while a separate pro-Palestinian demonstration marked Nakba Day, commemorating the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948. Police said they expected around 50,000 people to attend the nationalist rally and about 30,000 to join the pro-Palestinian march. Officers used drones, mounted…
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest officially begins in a few hours with the fun and festivities expected to be more camp and controversial than ever before as it once again becomes a stage for pomp, pageantry and politics. What was born as a festival to unite Europe after the World War II has become a battleground for countries using its spotlight to make a stand on political agendas. The 70th edition of the song contest being held in Vienna will already go down in history as perhaps the most divisive competition after months of protest over Israel’s…
Norbert Kettner, chief executive of Vienna’s tourism board, told POLITICO that security measures around the city are “much more intense” than the last time Eurovision was hosted here in 2015. “Yes, the security measures are extremely high. No big event in the free world can be made anymore without high security levels,” Kettner said, adding that the city is working to “protect people who want to celebrate peacefully, but also protect people who want demonstrate peacefully.” He added that across the week, the energy among fans from different countries has been “peaceful and moderate.” Eurovision’s organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has repeatedly underlined that the song contest is…
A huge police presence was deployed in London on Saturday two manage two opposing rallies, as well as football fans gathering for the FA Cup Final. Tens of thousands attended a demonstration organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, while another several thousand people gathered to commemorate Nakba Day, which marks the expulsion of some 700,000 Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948. Mustering in west London and ending with speeches near Piccadilly, it combined with an anti-fascism march organised by the Stand Up to Racism group. Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters were deployed along with at…
The robots, named Gabi, Seokga, Mohee and Nisa, walked through the Jongno district beside performers, dancers and long lines of illuminated lotus lanterns. Organisers said about 50,000 participants carried nearly 100,000 handmade lanterns during the annual procession linked to the Jogye Order, the country’s largest Buddhist sect. The robots, dressed in traditional monastic robes, will serve as honorary monks during this year’s celebrations. The parade formed part of a wider effort by South Korean Buddhism to modernise its image and attract younger followers in a rapidly changing society. Earlier this month, Gabi underwent a symbolic ordination ceremony at Jogyesa Temple…