Bulgaria celebrated its maiden Eurovision triumph Saturday evening as singer Dara’s performance of “Bangaranga” topped the international song contest, while Israel’s contestant Noam Bettan claimed second place with “Michelle” for the nation’s back-to-back runner-up finish.
Dara accumulated 516 total points to secure Bulgaria’s historic first Eurovision championship, combining 312 votes from television audiences with 204 points from professional juries. Bettan’s total reached 342 points through 220 public votes and 123 jury selections. Though Israel ranked third among television viewers and eighth with jury panels, Bettan’s combined score earned the overall second-place finish.
The Israeli contestant’s performance drew mixed reactions from the arena crowd, with both cheers and jeers from protesters who opposed Israel’s contest participation. Following his song, Bettan called out “Am Yisrael Chai!”
Yuval Tzafir, who leads the Israeli delegation and directed “Michelle,” spoke to Israeli media about the achievement. “We brought enormous pride to the country in a difficult time. Second place twice is a huge victory. I’m proud of Noam–a true prince,” Tzafir stated.
This marks Israel’s second consecutive runner-up result, following last year’s second-place showing by Yuval Raphael performing “A New Day Will Rise.” Tzafir characterized Bettan’s Eurovision appearance as among Israel’s most impressive contest performances.
In his post-competition interview with Ynet, Bettan expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “Thank God who blessed us with second place. I feel proud, I feel like we won,” he said.
When questioned about the negative audience reactions during vote announcements, Bettan responded: “I heard them, but like lions we raised the flag and shouted ‘Am Yisrael Chai.’ We’re not ashamed of who we are.”
Bettan also reflected on his Eurovision experience, saying: “I didn’t know what to expect. I came without expectations and without thinking about what tomorrow would bring. I truly enjoyed it – from beginning to end.”
The Young Greens of Austria addressed the controversy surrounding Israel’s contest participation through an Instagram video that condemned antisemitism and criticized negative treatment of the Israeli delegation.
“Boycotting Israel’s participation in Eurovision, booing and harassing the Israeli artists will not free Palestine,” the organization stated. “What it will do is contribute to a hateful environment against Jews that makes Jewish life in Europe more and more unsafe. Which is why we’re giving zero points to antisemitism!”
The Israeli team encountered multiple technical difficulties before the final performance. According to Ynet reports, specialists flew in from Israel to address malfunctions with diamond display equipment used in rehearsals, while a costume specialist arrived to modify outfits for the dance performers.
Additionally, lead dancer Lihi Freud sustained a head injury when struck by a camera operated by an Austrian production cameraman during practice sessions.
“I choose to believe it wasn’t intentional. These things happen in the dance world,” Freud commented, noting she felt “shocked” and “dazed” before medical personnel approved her participation in the final show.
