VIENNA (AP) — Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday with her infectious party anthem "Bangaranga," giving the southeast European country its first-ever Eurovision victory.
Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday's grand final in Vienna. The song's infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine proved a hit with both national juries and viewers, whose votes together decide the winner.
Israeli competitor Noam Bettan came second after a contest clouded by protests against t he country's participation.
Dara is an established name in her homeland and a mentor on "The Voice Bulgaria," but had not been among the favorites to win. Still, "Bangaranga" is the sort of pop banger that Eurovision does so well, with its irresistible exhortation: "Surrender to the blinding lights. No one's gonna sleep tonight. Welcome to the riot."
Romania's Alexandra Căpitănescu came third with the provocatively titled rock song "Choke Me." Australian star Delta Goodrem was fourth with the slick midtempo ballad "Eclipse," and Italian crooner Sal Da Vinci came fifth with "Per Sempre Si," or "Forever Yes."
