Bulgaria Takes the Crown: A Night of Euphoria at Eurovision 2026

Malta’s St. George’s Square was a sea of red and white last night as the island’s Eurovision fans gathered to watch the grand final. Little did they know, they were about to witness history being made, not just for Bulgaria, but for the contest itself.

Bulgaria’s Triumph

In a nail-biting finish, Bulgaria’s entry “Intention” by Intelligent Music Project took the top spot, marking the country’s first-ever Eurovision victory. The powerful rock ballad, a departure from the usual pop fare, resonated with both juries and viewers, earning a total of 467 points.

“We never thought we’d see the day when Bulgaria would win Eurovision,” said Malta’s jury chairperson, Mark Spiteri Lucas. “But ‘Intention’ was a standout track, and the performance was nothing short of spectacular.”

Malta’s Journey

Malta’s own entry, “Love and Let Go” by The Busker, failed to make it to the top 10, finishing in 12th place. Despite the result, The Busker, real name Kyle Cutajar, received a hero’s welcome in St. George’s Square.

“I’m proud of what we achieved,” said Cutajar, addressing the crowd. “We may not have won, but we’ve shown the world that Malta has talent.”

What’s Next?

With Bulgaria’s victory, the contest will head to Sofia in 2027. Meanwhile, preparations are already underway in Malta for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Valletta later this year.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Junior Eurovision again,” said Public Broadcasting Services CEO, Charles Dalli. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our island to a global audience.”

As the crowd in St. George’s Square dispersed, one thing was clear: Eurovision might be over for another year, but the spirit of the contest lives on in Malta.