Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Bangaranga,” a high-energy dance performance by singer Darra that topped both jury rankings and the public vote.
Israel finished second after receiving one of the highest audience scores of the night. Its participation remained controversial throughout the competition because of the war on Gaza.
Five countries — Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, the Netherlands and Spain — boycotted the contest in protest against Israel’s inclusion. Demonstrators also marched through the streets of Vienna accusing Eurovision organizers of normalizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Questions are also resurfacing over public voting after Israel faced criticism for online campaigns encouraging supporters to vote multiple times. Eurovision organizers had already tightened voting rules ahead of the contest.
Despite the tensions, thousands of fans gathered in Vienna celebrating music and international unity, while organizers faced growing pressure over the political divisions surrounding the event.
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