DARA returned to Bulgaria after her Eurovision triumph to a massive public celebration at Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia, where fans, relatives and media gathered to welcome the singer who secured the country’s first victory in the competition’s 70-year history. At her first press conference on home soil, she urged young artists and supporters of culture to believe in themselves.

Bulgaria has secured a place in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest after singer DARA qualified during the second semi-final in Vienna with her performance of…

This year’s contest has been overshadowed by discord and controversy, with five countries withdrawing in a dispute over the continued participation of Israel.