Poll: What was Bulgaria’s best Eurovision entry from 2016 onwards?

In its first nine participations at Eurovision, Bulgaria only managed to make the grand final one time. So, when it sat out of Eurovision in 2014 and 2015, folks weren’t particularly surprised. But in 2016 the country returned to the contest and fans watched Poli Genova achieve an astonishing fourth place. A year later Kristian Kostov went even higher, coming second. A new era had begun.

Sadly, Bulgaria has now withdrawn from the contest again. So it seems like the perfect time to pause and ask you: What is your favourite entry from Bulgaria from their most recent run at ESC?

Below you can re-watch each of the performances. For Eurovision 2020, which was cancelled because of the pandemic, we’ve included VICTORIA’s music video of her would-be entry. We’re also including excerpts from our Wiwi Jury reviews of each entry, written before the contest each year.

Poll: What was Bulgaria’s best Eurovision entry from 2016 onwards?

2016: Poli Genova — “If Love Was a Crime” 

Robyn: I’ve been hoping for a big, bold contemporary pop moment and here it is. This is what the mid 2010s sound like, so bravo to Bulgaria for getting in there with a cool modern pop sound and not trying to formulate a “Eurovision hit”. Combined with the dream position of performing in the second half of the second semi, a song this strong with killer staging should get Bulgaria a much deserved place in the grand final.

William: Ethnic but not off-putting, “If Love Was a Crime” manages to think locally while translating globally. The opening verses build steadily and confidently, leading to a pre-chorus that is all kinds of amazing. The chorus itself could be a tad bigger, but the Bulgarian lyrics make it sufficiently special to carry the song. The lyrics are clever and the nod to the criminalisation of homosexuality is truly daring for a singer from a conservative country. Breezy, catchy and feel-good, this is easily Bulgaria’s best Eurovision entry ever.

2017: Kristian Kostov — “Beautiful Mess” 

Sinan: When I heard this for the first time, I was impressed by the voice and the sensitive manner in which Kristian sings this beautiful song. It’s a super modern ballad, but with a dark sound and subtle ethnic touches. My country has a huge chance to finish as high as it did last year and even to take first place —  why not? I just hope Kristian will give his best and make Bulgarians proud!

William: Among the most contemporary tracks of the year, “Beautiful Mess” is a thoughtful piece of pop that oozes soul. Rather than following a traditional formula and reaching an easily identifiable peak, this progresses somewhat linearly. It’s more cinematic and atmospheric than the typical Eurovision song, and has a smooth, polished finish yet never leans toward the sterile. Young Kristian has the face of an angel, but the voice of an established (and much older) international pop star — a mix that will serve him very well at Eurovision. Nail the staging and this is guaranteed a top-five placing.

2018: Equinox — “Bones” 

Robyn: There’s something magic happening here. Despite a clanger of an opening line (“Love is like a blackhole – everything is dark”) the Equinox quintet completely sells it and deliver a song that is moody and delicious. It sounds like the staging of “Bones” is important to Bulgaria, but regardless of that, the song stands on its own. It wouldn’t be hard to expect another top-five finish for Bulgaria, at a minimum.

Steinunn: This is dark and twisted and captivating and I can‘t get enough of it. It‘s like Equinox wants to put me under their spell and I just want to obey. It all comes down to the staging now. Good staging and this is a top-five contender for sure. Crossing my fingers that the Bulgarian team manages to avoid the mistakes of Switzerland 2006 and Armenia 2015 and just put five soloists on the stage and let them belt out until everyone‘s out of breath. This song is too good for that to happen.

2020: Victoria — “Tears Getting Sober”

William: Bruises, scars, wounds, sugar — they’re not words that typically come in a bunch. But with “Tears Getting Sober”, Victoria brings them together in a package that’s at once sweet and dark, uplifting but laced with melancholy. It’s a twisted and indeed slightly jarring offering — but one you can’t help but dive into again and again. Victoria’s delicate voice — which trembles as much as it roars — has a captivating quality. Eerie, haunting, mysterious — each layer compels another spin. It’s a shame Covid-19 robbed us of Eurovision 2020. This could have been Bulgaria’s year.

Deban:  “Tears Getting Sober” tackles mental health issues, but the swelling production is dreamy magic. Production team Symphonix and Victoria have forged a great collaboration here. Qualification in any year with this song would have been certain, but in 2020, it would’ve definitely peaked in the top five. What I love the most about this entry is that I keep finding new reasons to love it more. Bravo!

2021: Victoria — “Growing Up Is Getting Old”

William: Like any good storyteller, VICTORIA doesn’t rush her exposition. She takes her time with “Growing Up Is Getting Old” — literally opening with the heavy sound of a ticking clock. The song slowly and carefully warms up, layering nostalgia and tenderness over strings and piano. As Victoria comes to terms with the relentlessness of time, expressed through that delicate and distinct voice, her trickle of emotion becomes a flood, delivering one of the biggest musical pay-offs of the year. This song may be a slow burn, but it definitely ignites, giving us an “it” moment worthy of the win. “I’ve never understood how so much can fit in little me,” VICTORIA sings. In these three minutes, she proves that she contains multitudes.

Sebastian: With pervading ticks of a clock throughout, “Growing Up Is Getting Old” is a beautifully reflective masterpiece and a stunning moment in time in what will be a very full list of songs in the competition. In a year where no doubt many songs are influenced by the new Covid-19 world, “Growing Up Is Getting Old” is an exasperated but realistic take on what many other countries’ artists are trying to turn into a song-and-dance. VICTORIA is not in the mood to celebrate, and I’m here for it.  I also applaud the clever play on words when the words ‘growing’ and ‘getting’ are interchanged throughout the song.

2022 Intelligent Music Project “Intention”

Angus: Were we talking about Eurovision 1992 then Bulgaria might be in a better spot, but unfortunately “Intention” finds itself entirely out of place thirty years later. In stark contrast to its lyrics, “Intention” is firmly in the safety zone: A predictable, by numbers rock effort and one that sounds extremely dated. With rock entries you want to be electrified and this unfortunately is more of a short circuit. 

Antranig: There’s nothing better than a great rock song at Eurovision but there’s nothing worse than a bad one. If the “Intention” was to stay in the semi-final, Bulgaria have hit the nail on the head. This song feels as though it was written in someone’s garage in about 12 minutes after a Sunday afternoon barbecue. It feels like it remains in third gear for three minutes and never picks up any momentum. I appreciate Bulgaria trying something different, but it’s a no from me.

So who did you vote for? Let us know in the comments box down below. And be sure to comment on our Insta post too!

 

 

 

 

 

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