In October 2022, just months after Bulgaria crashed out of the Eurovision semi-finals with Intelligent Music Project, the country’s state broadcaster revealed it had lost interest in the song contest.
In a direct message sent to OGAE Greece, the broadcaster’s official Twitter account said:
“Bulgaria will not be taking part at Eurovision 2023 and most probably in the future editions as well. After analysis it was decided that this program does not present an interest for the broadcaster any longer.”
But it would seem that Eurovision 2026 has aroused some internal interest, as today the EBU confirmed that Bulgaria will compete in Vienna.
The broadcaster has endured financial setbacks in recent years. Its most recent participation — with Intelligent Music Project — was funded by the group themselves.
They finished 16th of 17th in Semi-Final 1 with the song “Intention,” which was widely panned by fans and critics alike.
Bulgaria has known both highs and lows in the contest. Between 2008 and 2013, it failed to qualify for the grand final six times running. But in its next four appearances it managed to place fourth, second, 14th and 11th in the final — a record many countries would envy.
The announcement that Bulgaria will participate in Eurovision 2026 comes one day after Romania confirmed its return to the song contest. The President-General of Romanian television thanked the EBU for “taking into account the challenges our institution faces” in their invitation.
Many observers have suggested that the EBU offered some form of sweetener — perhaps a discount or flexible payment schedule — to encourage Bucharest’s re-entry. It’s thought bolstering the number of nations that participate might make up for any that choose to withdraw amid ongoing controversies surrounding Israel’s participation.
What do you think of Bulgaria’s return? Let us know down below!
Who’s Sofia in “Sofia Calling”?
Azis for Bulgaria 2026!
Id normally welcome this.
But it’s the EBU insuring participation when Netherlands, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia pull out.
Funding issues resolved with Romania, Bulgaria asked back. What next? Funding issues resolved in Bosnia-Herzegovina too?
Yeah not buying it.
Girl, one of the most beloved countries finally returned to the contest . Just enjoy it…
We love to see them back. Honestly I’d love to see Hungary and Turkiye back too even with their current political situation. We’re just pointing out that the EBU can help countries only when they need them…
Gurrrl…no.
Then why do you bother being on this site if you only complain complain complain? That’s what Reddit and Twitter and BlueSky are for
I’ll post if I want to post.
You could just scroll by and ignore me. Sorry if the truth only seems like “complaining” to your small mind.
I’ve been there years before you and I’ll still be here after your gone.
I’m not happy with what the EBU is doing and I’m fully entitled to say that. So get lost if that’s too real for you.
EBU are definitely reaching out to those Countries who have stayed away due to the potential boycott by at least 5 nations. i say let them go. At least the returning nations will bolster the semi finals and give them a stronger opportunity to qualify for the final. We are currently at 12 in one and 13 in another.
Because the big 5 chose different sides there is a founding issue. Will
there be enough no matter the results in the December voting? If not then maybe these returning countries have had some sort of deal. If they vote certain way in December they will
get funds for participation. Kind of a bribing situation
In any other circumstances I would be happy to see all those countries coming back. They really have their place in the competition. But we’re not fools. We can easily think of why and how they are coming back for 2026. EBU is scared of the possibly boycotting countries and is trying everything to save the competition, even if it means opening the door to countries that had to leave partly due to financial issues (thinking of Romania here). Like others said, I assume EBU is suddenly able to find a deal and forget about the debts… That being said,… Read more »
Before they said, that they were not interested as it didn’t follow their values (homophobia)?
Didn’t hear that from Bulgaria, at least I don’t remember them saying that
They never said that. Once. All they said was we are not interested in it anymore
Wait…WHAT?! Am I dreaming? Bulgaria is back! I’m so happy!
I’m not used to great news anymore. Thank you Bulgaria and Romania for lighting up our spirits!
EBU managing to convince everyone to return for the most controversial contest of all time is laughable. Cant wait for the spectacle when Israel goes and win it all in 2026! Mark my words – there will not be a Eurovision in 2027 at all, because it is clear that EBU will rather cancel it all together than let another country take over. LOL.
Enough with the histrionics. Your crystal ball needs some polishing.
Pretty sure we’re currently seeing the contingency plan to replace the countries that would withdraw if Israel stays, which says everything we need to know… heartbreaking that we can’t be happy for returning countries, but this is where we are now.
This won’t make up for the funding gap if Spain and the Netherlands withdraw, but it will be enough to make semifinals viable again…
Expect Moldova soon.
Then they should increase Israel’s fee considering they’re holding the contest at ransom
Really? Should Israel voluntarily bow out and put its head on a platter? No, it’s up to the other broadcasters to make a clear stand on this. Personally I believe Israel should be suspended, but if it stays, I am not boycotting or ignoring its song and artist. There are more productive and meaningful ways to isolate and sanction the Israeli government and bring it’s henchmen to justice.
Israel usually wins in years ending in 8. So, 2028, that’s when they are likely to win.
But the question here is: how much did the EBU enjoy organizing the contest in a country at war back in 2017? and how much does the EBU expect to enjoy organizing it under much worse circumstances?
Great pic. Equinox was one of best highlights in Eurovision history. Send them again, they were epic!
Pretty likely Romania and Bulgaria got a discount. EBU needs a good number to make up for the boycotting countries. While the EBU usually just wants money, with the boycotting countries out they need the quitters more than the quitters desire to come back. Bulgaria and Romania didn’t care at all recently. I gotta hand it to the EBU, their will to sit out the whole Israel disaster is incredible. This is so bad.
The fact that this year Kazakhstan finally is deemed good enough to compete by the EBU (according to the Kazakh broadcaster they have received a direct invitation to compete in 2026) is laughable. It’s clear as day what they’re doing. No doubt that many countries that weren’t able to compete before because of high costs have suddenly received a bery good deal this year.
How can countries returning to Eurovision be bad under any circumstance?
Obviously, the EBU sitting out the elephant in the room is bad, not the return of absent countries.
Real! And if Israel’s kicked out, we get a net positive of competitors
Wooooowwwwwww, you are so pessimistic it feels like I’m scrolling on BlueSky. I think there will be a passing vote to bar Israel (I did some categorizing of the broadcasters on where they are) and it should (hopefully) be enough to pass, just be patient
Israel deserves to be kicked out, but if realpolitik happens to win at the end of the day, just remember that the reputation of that country is ruined for years to come and that its leader/s will eventually pay one way or the other.
wish they didn’t return
I agree, these bought songs and pretended persona of every act being dark with black and white showed Bulgaria offers nothing. A good cultural example is any other country. All I am expecting is average level pop song, that doesn’t give anything to the listener. Also Bulgarian fans downvote here others tremendously, which is deleting real criticism. Too bad, that open honesty doesn’t align with Bulgarians. Maybe they bring more hate for themselves, I mean, those fans certainly will.
Welcome back Bulgaria, keep up the spirit of strengthning the contest! ??
semi last place with 0 points to completely make them withdraw for good again
Dude, what’s with the random hate?
haha easy another top 5
Bulgaria always had great songs. Excluding maybe the first & the last ones.