Bulgaria gives its Eurovision winner Dara a grand welcome upon her return home
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Hundreds of cheering fans waving Bulgarian flags have welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner Dara upon her return home. The 27-year-old singer was visibly tired but smiling when she arrived on Sunday at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport holding up the Eurovision trophy. Bulgaria’s major television stations made changes to their regular programs to air live coverage from the airport. Dara said that “this award marks the beginning of my future international career.” She won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday in Vienna with her infectious party anthem “Bangaranga.” It gave the southeast European country its first-ever victory in the competition.
‘Michael’ reclaims the top box office spot in its 4th weekend
The Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” is reclaiming the top spot in the North American box office. Studio estimates on Sunday show the film earned $26.1 million in its fourth weekend in theaters, bringing its worldwide total to over $700 million. “The Devil Wears Prada 2" took second place with $18 million, reaching $546.2 million worldwide. Newcomer “Obsession” exceeded expectations with $16.1 million. “Mortal Kombat II” secured fourth place by bringing in $13.4 million. Amazon MGM Studios had three films in the top 10, including “The Sheep Detectives,” “Project Hail Mary” and newcomer “Is God Is,” which rounded out the top 10.
Bulgaria wins the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with upbeat party anthem 'Bangaranga'
VIENNA (AP) — Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with singer Dara’s party anthem “Bangaranga.” Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday’s grand final in Vienna. The song’s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a hit with both viewers and national juries. It’s Bulgaria’s first-ever Eurovision victory. Israeli competitor Noam Bettan came second after a contest clouded by protests against the country’s participation. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third and Australian star Delta Goodrem fourth. Five countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — boycotted in protest of Israel’s inclusion in the contest following the war in Gaza. Several hundred protesters marched near the contest arena in Vienna.
The 10 best performances at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest final in Vienna has showcased acts from 25 countries. But not all songs are created equal. The 10 best on Saturday night included Romania's entry, “Choke Me,” by Alexandra Căpitănescu, which channeled a nu-metal Lady Gaga. Italy's Sal Da Vinci delivered a vintage charm with “Per Sempre Sì.” Cyprus' Antigoni brought a summery feel with “Jalla.” Finland's “Liekinheitin” electrified with a pop and classical mashup. Moldova's “Viva, Moldova!” was cheekily patriotic. Bulgaria's Dara impressed with “Bangaranga.” Serbia's “Kraj Mene” added pop metal intensity. Australia's Delta Goodrem soared with “Eclipse.” Albania's “Nân” was dramatic. Belgium's Essyla delivered a cool performance with “Dancing on the Ice.”
Researchers stunned by a forgotten medieval book in Rome hiding the oldest English poem
ROME (AP) — Researchers in Dublin have uncovered the oldest surviving English poem in a Roman library. The poem, "Caedmon’s Hymn," was composed in Old English by a Northumbrian worker in the seventh century. It appears within the Latin text "Ecclesiastical History of the English People" by the monk known as the Venerable Bede. The discovery highlights the diffusion of the English language centuries earlier than previously believed. The manuscript had a complex history, traveling across Europe and the Atlantic before being found in Rome's public library. The library's digitization efforts may lead to more discoveries.
Recommended for you
Steven Soderbergh used AI in a documentary about John Lennon. And he wants to talk about it
CANNES, France (AP) — The day John Lennon was shot in 1980, he and Yoko Ono gave an interview to a San Francisco radio crew from their home in New York’s Dakota Apartments. In “John Lennon: The Last Interview,” Steven Soderbergh pp those surviving tapes into a new documentary that debuted Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival. But his decision to fill in some visuals using Meta's AI software has prompted an outcry. One of America’s leading filmmakers was using AI? In a film about a Beatle, no less? Soderbergh has placed himself at the forefront of an industrywide debate about the uses of AI in moviemaking. But for him, it’s a conversation he’s eager to have.
Cannes and the Hôtel Martinez await a 'White Lotus' close-up
CANNES, France (AP) — As many actors are appearing at the Cannes Film Festival this week, the best role in town might be a little further down the Croisette. Season 4 of “The White Lotus” will be set around the Cannes Film Festival, bringing one the most acclaimed TV series into the heart of cinema’s French Riviera playground. The Hôtel Martinez is one of the iconic luxury hotels that line the beach in Cannes. It will be renamed the White Lotus Cannes and be a central location in Mike White’s HBO series. Shooting has begun along the Riviera. But four days into the Cannes Film Festival, “The White Lotus” production has yet to materialize in Cannes.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to a Eurovision Song Contest that embraces linguistic diversity
VIENNA (AP) — English has long dominated pop music, but it no longer reigns supreme at the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, 25 languages are being sung onstage, from Albanian to Ukrainian. Performers increasingly want to share their mother tongues with the world. Finnish singer Pete Parkkonen says it’s easier to express feelings in native languages. That led to a string of English-language winners. But in recent years the number of non-English songs has been growing. Eurovision is now a showcase of cultural diversity, with fans embracing multilingual performances. The final of the 70th Eurovision competition takes place Saturday in Vienna.
What to know about Harvey Weinstein's cases after his recent mistrial
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York has declared a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape case from the #MeToo-era that has gone to trial three times so far after a jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision. The trial that concluded Friday without a verdict centered on whether Weinstein raped Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor, in 2013 during a relationship between the then-married Weinstein and the decades-younger Mann. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that the encounter was consensual, while Mann described a hotel-room encounter when he forced himself upon her. Weinstein was initially convicted in 2020, but an appeals court overturned that verdict.
Shakira and Burna Boy release official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem, 'Dai Dai'
NEW YORK (AP) — Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy have released the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem. It is titled “Dai Dai.” It’s a mesh of their musical landscapes. Afrobeats and Latin rhythms are prevalent in this undeniably global pop song. In one verse, they name a number of the world’s most famous soccer players and countries competing in this years’ World Cup. But lyrically, the song is about believing in yourself. The FIFA tournament will kick off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.

(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.