Ask Onix
Dara's near-exit from Eurovision
Bulgaria's Eurovision Song Contest winner, Dara, revealed she considered withdrawing from the competition twice to safeguard her mental health. The 27-year-old singer, who secured her country's first-ever victory in May, told BBC Newsbeat she was overwhelmed after being selected as Bulgaria's representative.
Initial doubts and ADHD diagnosis
Dara described her immediate reaction to the announcement as paralyzing. "I was shaking in my bed," she said. "It took me three hours to calm down." The singer, who had recently been diagnosed with ADHD, feared the competition's demands would worsen her condition. "I didn't want to risk my mental health to the point where I couldn't recover," she added.
Contract concerns also played a role in her first decision to decline. As an established artist, Dara hesitated over terms she found unacceptable. However, she ultimately reconsidered, though the pressure remained intense.
The road to victory
Eurovision is notorious for its grueling schedule and high-stakes environment. Olly Alexander, who represented the UK in 2024, summed up the experience when asked for advice: "Get yourself a really good therapist." Dara credited her own therapist with helping her navigate the chaos. "She taught me how to feel comfortable in crowded spaces," Dara said. "I felt secure wherever I went."
Breathing exercises, journaling, and meditation became her coping mechanisms. "Eurovision is the biggest stage an artist can stand on," she said. "But I've never felt calmer or more confident."
A record-breaking win
Dara's performance in Vienna was a blend of polish and quirk, earning Bulgaria a historic victory by the largest points margin in Eurovision history. As the results poured in, she remained composed. "I just kept saying, 'Thank you, God, for putting me on that stage,'" she recalled.
Within hours of her win, Bulgaria's national broadcaster, BNT, confirmed Sofia as the host city for the 2027 contest. Dara was greeted by massive crowds upon her return to the capital, where she is expected to play a central role in next year's event.
Redefining success
Despite her triumph, Dara's priorities have shifted. "I want to have kids someday," she said. "I want to be healthy. That's more important than career success." She added, "Being successful as a human being is pretty high on my list."
"I opened my heart and just kept repeating, 'Thank you, God for putting me on that stage and for these people around me.'"
Dara, Eurovision 2026 winner
