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Bulgaria's Dara wins 70th Eurovision; Israel's Bettan second amid boycotts

May 17, 2026

Summary

Bulgaria's Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Bangaranga,' marking the country's first victory. Israel's Noam Bettan placed second, amidst boycotts and protests over the Gaza war from several European nations.'

How coverage differs

Left outlets report Bulgaria's win while emphasizing Israel's second place amid boycotts, whereas right outlets focus on Israel's entry being booed despite audience support, suggesting political bias.

  • Left: Eurovision victory overshadowed by Gaza war protests against Israel Left-leaning outlets report Bulgaria's Dara secured her country's first Eurovision victory with 'Bangaranga' but significantly highlight Israel's Noam Bettan placing second amidst widespread boycotts and protests over the Gaza war, underscoring the political tensions surrounding the event.
  • Center: Bulgaria secures Eurovision victory; Israel takes second place Center outlets factually report that Bulgaria's Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Bangaranga', marking the country's first victory, and note that Israel's Noam Bettan finished second in the competition.
  • Right: Israel's strong public vote met with loud boos at Eurovision Right-leaning outlets focus on Israel's Eurovision entry, Noam Bettan, being loudly booed during the Grand Final, despite massive audience votes initially placing him at the top of the leaderboard, highlighting perceived unfairness or political bias.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Bulgaria's Dara wins Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna
  • Israel comes second at Eurovision amid boycotts and backlash

Center

  • Bulgaria wins the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with upbeat party anthem ‘Bangaranga’ - AP News
  • Israel’s Noam Bettan finishes second to Bulgaria in Eurovision Song Contest - The Times of Israel

Right

  • Moment Israel's Eurovision entry is loudly BOOED during Grand Final when massive audience vote put him top of the leader board

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