ESC Covers recently got the chance to ask some questions to Bulgaria’s 2026 Eurovision Song Contest entrant – DARA. The singer, who will be performing ‘Bangaranga’ in Vienna, chatted to us about her song, staging, and more – and can be read both on our YouTube channel, and below in text form.

What was the main reason for you wanting to represent Bulgaria at Eurovision this year?
Honestly, it was about timing – but also about purpose. I’ve always loved Eurovision, but this time everything aligned. “Bangaranga” didn’t feel like a compromise. It felt like me. And when you have that clarity, you stop overthinking and just go for it.

We are very happy that you changed your mind after thinking of withdrawing – what made you continue?
It wasn’t an easy moment. There was a lot happening at once and I needed a second to reset. But then I went back to the core question– why did I say yes in the first place? And the answer was still there. The song, the energy, the chance to represent Bulgaria in my own way. At the same time, Eurovision for Bulgaria is not a given. We’ve been absent from the contest for the past three years, so coming back carries weight.

But beyond the result, there’s something equally important for me. I want people to notice Bulgaria– not just as a name on the scoreboard, but as a place with depth and culture. We are a small country, but culturally, we carry so much history and texture. Our music, our energy, our perspective – they are not always visible internationally.

If “Bangaranga” can spark even a moment of curiosity, if someone somewhere hears it and decides to explore Bulgaria a little further – then that’s already a win in its own way.

What three other songs would you consider to be ‘bangers’?
I’d say “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, “Only Girl (In The World)” by Rihanna, and “Paint The Town Red” by Doja Cat. For me, a “banger” is all about energy – it makes you move instantly.

Does the song title mean anything in Bulgarian? Was this the original title?
“Bangaranga” doesn’t have a direct meaning in Bulgarian, but it definitely draws from the same energy and symbolism of the Kukeri tradition – all about driving away evil spirits through sound, movement, and presence – loud bells, intense rhythms, powerful costumes, and a kind of controlled chaos. That idea really resonated with me. “Bangaranga” carries a similar spirit: it’s about release, about stepping into your power, about making noise and not apologizing for it.

It’s also inspired by Jamaican slang “bangarang,” which describes something chaotic, loud, explosive. What I loved is that even if you don’t know the meaning, you feel it.

Out of the three songs from the National Selection – which was your personal favourite?
I have a soft spot for all of them because each one shows a different side of me. But “Bangaranga” wasn’t just a song – it had a world, a visual identity, an attitude. It felt ready to go beyond Bulgaria.

Will we see similar staging and costumes at Eurovision?
Let’s just say – evolution, not repetition. We’re keeping the core energy and some key elements people connected with, but we’re definitely building on it. And the looks… expect something bold. Always.

The choreography and lift were very impressive. Who came up with it?
It was a true team effort – we all worked on it together because we needed something visually striking but also realistic within a very tight rehearsal schedule.

Everything came together incredibly fast. After writing the three songs, we had just a few days to build full performances for all of them. We moved quickly, confidently, and creatively.

Kevin, who has been working with me for six years, was also part of the choreography and performs as one of my dancers – he’s one of the best in Bulgaria and has been part of The Royal Family dance crew. With Milen Dankov, we’ve been working together since the start of my career – he’s not only an amazing choreographer but also a key creative force behind the staging and costumes. We’ve created full shows together and many major performances.

Which artists do you think you are most like?
Like DARA – 100%.People often say they see elements of Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, or Doja Cat, and I love all of them. But I’ve never tried to be like anyone else. Authenticity has been my strongest trait from the very beginning.

If you won Eurovision, which Bulgarian city should host?
That’s a big question! Varna will always be home, so it would be incredibly special. But realistically, Sofia probably has the infrastructure for an event of that scale. Either way, it would be a huge moment for Bulgaria.

Tell us about the London pre-party moment with Jonas and LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
That sense of togetherness is exactly what has always connected me to Eurovision. My love for this stage has never been just about the music – it’s about friendship, about sharing a moment in time with people from everywhere. No boundaries, no labels – just energy and connection.

Have you been to Sunny Beach? Could “Bangaranga” be a hit there?
Of course I’ve been to Sunny Beach. And yes – I can absolutely imagine “Bangaranga” playing there at 2AM. Loud, a bit wild, people dancing without overthinking. That’s exactly the energy of the song.

Will there be remixes or DJ sets coming soon?
Yes – there are already a few remixes in the works so the song can live in different spaces, from clubs to festivals. I’d also love to explore more DJ-oriented sets – it’s something I’m getting more serious about.

What inspired your ‘tiger hair’ look?
Last year, I actually made a personal presentation where I said: this is the year I choose to be like a tiger—strong, fast, focused, fearless. That idea inspired the hair. And honestly, I just love how bold it feels.

How can fans follow you and your music?
I’m very active online, especially on Instagram. I like to share not just the polished moments, but everything in between – behind the scenes, random thoughts, real life. You can find all my music on streaming platforms too, so it’s easy to stay connected.

DARA will perform in the 2nd Semi-final, on Thursday, May 14th. Find out more about DARA on her website and social media channels:
Instagram
YouTube

We’d like to thank the Bulgarian delegation, DARA’s management, and DARA herself for arranging the Q&A session with DARA. Best of luck at Eurovision!

Photo: Vasil Germanov