Eurovision 2026 Winner DARA to Share Stage with Russian Acts at Baku Festival

DREAM Fest in Baku: A Controversial Lineup

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Scheduled for July 23, 2026, in Baku, the DREAM Fest festival has announced that Eurovision 2026 champion DARA will perform her winning track "Bangaranga." She will be joined on stage by Russian musicians and several former Ukrainian artists, whom the original text labels as traitors. The event is organized by businessman Emin Agalarov, who is well-known for his ventures in the Russian market. This festival has already sparked debate due to its mix of performers from countries with ongoing tensions.

DARA's Eurovision-winning song has already captivated European audiences. According to the festival organizers,

“Bangaranga has already conquered Europe, and now it’s ready to conquer Baku as well. On July 23, the DREAM Fest stage will host Eurovision 2026 winner DARA! A singer whose energy turns every performance into a true musical explosion.”

The festival will be hosted by Regina Todorenko.

Festival Artists

Other artists scheduled to perform at DREAM Fest include:

• Ani Lorak
• Dzhigan
• Artik & Asti
• Egor Kreed
• Irina Dubtsova
• Stas Mikhailov
• Alsou

This diverse lineup promises an engaging program for attendees, though it also reflects the festival's broad and sometimes contentious mix of performers.

Notably, earlier this year, Philip Kirkorov attempted to claim credit for DARA's victory. However, Bulgarian officials denied his involvement in creating the act, confirming that Greek composer Dimitris Kontopoulos worked on "Bangaranga." DARA herself refuted Kirkorov's role in her success, though she thanked him for his moral support. This controversy adds another layer of intrigue to the event.

DREAM Fest, which celebrates musical diversity, is emerging as a significant event on the contemporary music scene, especially given the political and social challenges in the region. The participation of artists with controversial reputations may provoke varied reactions from the public and media. This gathering could also highlight how music serves as a platform for addressing modern issues and questions of artistic identity in complex circumstances. The discussions surrounding DARA and her Eurovision win underscore the importance of cultural events in fostering connections between different countries and cultures.

The upcoming Bulgaria's unexpected win at Eurovision 2026 adds an intriguing backdrop to DARA's performance at the DREAM Fest. This victory, achieved without the influence of Philip Kirkorov, highlights the evolving dynamics in the Eurovision landscape, especially as DARA prepares to share the stage with artists from countries embroiled in political tensions. Understanding the implications of these performances can offer deeper insights into the festival's controversial lineup.