Bulgaria’s Dara has been crowned as the Eurovision 2026 winner on Saturday night in Vienna, as her high-energy dance track Bangaranga surged ahead in a dramatic final. As the country celebrates her victory, attention is also focused on her personal life and relationship.
Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, popularly known as Dara, was born on September 9, 1998, in Varna. She rose to fame after competing on The X Factor Bulgaria, as well as the release of hit singles K’vo ne chu, Call Me, Mr. Rover, and more.
In June 2025, Dara tied the knot with her Turkish partner, Ervin. She took to her Instagram at the time to commemorate the special day, showing off her ring and gorgeous, figure-hugging wedding dress while being surrounded by her bridesmaids.
Dara wrote in her caption:
“JUST GOT MARRIED”
Dara reflects on personal and professional achievements ahead of Eurovision 2026 win
The pair’s exact wedding date and venue were kept private. While they had been together for several years before tying the knot, Dara and Ervin have always kept their relationship private.
Still, this doesn’t stop the Bulgarian pop star from alluding to their romance and crediting her husband from time to time.
In fact, on Dec. 31, 2025, before ringing in the new year, she shared a heartfelt message on her official Instagram account, reflecting on her career and personal achievements. She wrote in Bulgarian:
“life full of love and meaning. 2025 the best year of my life. For the whole 5 years in a row I was writing down dreams in a notebook, which for the first time came true exactly this year. From my personal achievements: wedding, a place of one’s own, giving up cigarettes, sport and permanent, balanced mode. to the professionals: album, first tour, singer of the year award, warming up for Robbie Williams, participation in one of the biggest European musicwriting camps, collaborations with cool artists (there will be surprises next year)”
She concluded:
“Well – a year like for several, as always. Sometimes it’s hard for me to appreciate everything in time, but today I do and I’m thankful. We grow up with you and I am glad that you are part of my journey.”
The Bulgarian pop star accompanied her thoughtful missive with a black-and-white photo of herself and her husband seemingly goofing around on a queen-sized bed during their wedding.
Other images show the songstress in the studio, in a field of sunflowers, on a picnic with a friend, onstage, and more.
Dara’s Eurovision victory marks Bulgaria’s first-ever win. The singer’s high-octane performance of Bangaranga was combined with fast-paced choreography, with a bold pop production that quickly became a crowd favorite.
Meanwhile, Israel finished in second place with Noam Bettan’s multilingual entry Michelle, a song centered on self-worth after emotional strain in relationships.
Several participating nations, including Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Iceland, had withdrawn ahead of the contest, citing objections linked to Israel’s continued involvement and broader geopolitical concerns.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino