According to Bulgarian media, BNT is set to hold a national selection to determine its entry for Eurovision 2026.
Fakti.bg reports that the Bulgarian public broadcaster BNT will hold a national selection to determine its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. According to sources speaking to the outlet, “We want a participation that will make Europe say: Here, this is Bulgaria!
BNT has not held a national selection to determine its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2013, and has previously used a variety of formats to select its entry. In 2013 and 2010, BNT internally selected its representative for the contest, with a televised selection held to pick the song. It’s previous selections were open selections, with its 2008 and 2009 selections spanning nearly 5 months.
Bulgaria is returning to the Eurovision Song Contest having last participated in the competition in 2022. BNT Director General Emil Koshlukov, explained that promotion of Bulgarian culture and talent is why the broadcaster has decided to return to the competition.
In 2022, when Bulgaria last participated, they were represented by Intelligent Music Project with “Intention”, they placed 16th in the Semi-Final scoring 29 points, its worst result in the contest since 2009.
Image source: EBU / Andres Putting | Source: Fakti
At the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, 17-year-old Kristian Kostov finished in second place in the Grand Final. Bulgaria has qualified for the Grand Final five times out of thirteen attempts at the contest. Bulgaria debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2005. The country competed annually from 2005 to 2013, before withdrawing for two years due to financial issues. Since returning to the contest in 2016, Bulgaria qualified for the final in every contest they have competed in up until the 2022 contest
