Eurovision 2026 winner DARA has canceled her performance at Baku’s “Dream Fest” following intense backlash over the inclusion of pro-Russian artists.
DARA, the winner of Eurovision 2026, was invited to open the “Dream Fest” festival, scheduled to take place between July 23rd and July 26th at the “Sea Breeze” resort in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. However, shortly after the festival organizers announced the participant lineup, the singer faced intense and severe criticism regarding her participation, leading her to announce the cancellation of her appearance.
Among the artists expected to perform at the festival are numerous performers from Russia, including prominent supporters of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that took place in February 2022. The list of invasion supporters includes several past Eurovision representatives, such as Alsou, who represented Russia at Eurovision 2000 with the song “Solo“, and Ani Lorak, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2000 with the song “Shady Lady“. Both finished in second place.
Did Criticism Force DARA to Withdraw?
When it was announced that the artist would participate in the festival, backlash followed swiftly. Ukrainian internet users flooded her social media networks, expressing deep disappointment over her decision to participate in a festival alongside artists from the Russian entertainment industry while the war in Ukraine continues. Consequently, the singer ultimately decided to withdraw from the festival and will not travel to Baku in July.
Despite this, the festival is expected to take place as planned. During the event, over 50 artists from various countries will perform. The festival will be hosted by Ukrainian singer Regina Todorenko.
Bulgaria in Eurovision 2026
“Bangaranga” is the song performed by the singer DARA, which represented Bulgaria in Vienna, Austria. DARA won the contest and got 516 points in the final. The song was written and composed by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Cristian Tarcea. While this is the performer’s first Eurovision entry, it marks the 15th song in the contest for composer Dimitris Kontopoulos. The song is performed entirely in English.
Eurovision 2027: This wil be Bulgaria’s 16th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Bulgaria joined the competition in 2005 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2026 when the singer Dara finished in first place with the song “Bangaranga”.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
