Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Hundreds of cheering fans waving Bulgarian flags welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner Dara upon her return home on Sunday.
Visibly tired but smiling, the 27-year-old singer arrived at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport waving the Eurovision trophy. Bulgaria’s major television stations made changes to their regular programs to air live coverage from the airport.
“This award marks the beginning of my future international career,” Dara said.
The singer won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday with her infectious party anthem “Bangaranga,” giving the southeast European country its first-ever victory in the competition.
“We have done something great for Bulgarian music, and I hope this sends a message that Bulgaria’s performers and artists deserve stronger support,” Dara said.
She said that Bulgaria is “an exceptionally talented nation that will continue to receive more and more attention.”
Dara, whose real name is Darina Yotova, beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final of the European pop music competition. Her song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine proved a hit with both national juries in participating countries and viewers around the world, whose votes together decide the winner.
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev was among the officials at the airport. Terziev said that the capital city is ready to host the next edition of the European song contest in 2027 when Bulgaria will mark the 20th anniversary of joining the European Union.
The Balkan country’s political leaders joined the outburst of national pride.
Parliamentary speaker Mihaela Dotsova called Dara’s win an “inspiration for the nation,” while President Iliana Yotova said that it was a “triumph for Bulgaria” and Prime Minister Rumen Radev proclaimed it “a victory with global resonance.”
