Bulgarian singer DARA, whose victory at the international Eurovision 2026 contest in Vienna became a major event in European musical life, has found herself at the center of a new media storm. The cause is the artist's plan to perform at the Dream Fest festival in Baku, where the lineup includes Russian performers and former Ukrainian artists who have moved to Russia.
Triumph of "Bangaranga" and the Azerbaijan Announcement
The composition "Bangaranga," which gave Bulgaria victory at the contest in Austria, continues to draw sold-out crowds. The organizers of the Dream Fest music festival have officially announced the winner's appearance on their stage. In a press release published on the event's Instagram, the organizers promised that the singer's energy would turn the performance into a "real musical explosion".
The concert date is set for July 23. However, controversy has erupted around this event, linked to the festival's lineup. According to RBK-Ukraine, DARA will perform on the same stage as artists who support the Russian government or have taken a neutral stance in the conflict while continuing their careers in Russia.
Controversial Lineup of Dream Fest
The guest list of the festival, organized by businessman Emin Agalarov, includes names that provoke a sharp reaction in Ukrainian society. Among Dara's colleagues on stage are:
- Ani Lorak;
- Jeevan (Jiggy);
- Artik & Asti;
- Egor Kreed;
- Irina Dubtsova;
- Stas Mikhailov;
- Alsou.
Regina Todorchenko is announced as the host of the event. Dream Fest organizer Emin Agalarov is also known for continuing his active business activities in the Russian market, making the format of the event even more controversial.
Legacy of Victory and Disputes over the "Kirkorov Team"
The scandal in Baku is not the first resonance associated with the name of the Bulgarian performer. Immediately after winning Eurovision 2026, a discussion erupted online regarding the involvement of Russian pop titan Philipp Kirkorov in the singer's success. The artist publicly claimed credit for organizing the victory.
However, later in Bulgaria, the real authors of the act were revealed. The hit "Bangaranga" was worked on by Greek composer Dimitris Kontopoulos. Although Kontopoulos is known for collaborating with Russian artists, there were no so-called "Putinists" in the song's creation team, although Ukrainians did participate in the project.
DARA herself could not remain silent regarding Kirkorov and his supporters. She refuted his direct involvement in the preparation of the act, but at the same time expressed gratitude for the "moral support" he offered the artist.