After four successful years co-ordinating Eurovision projects for BNT, the broadcaster for Bulgaria, Deyan Yordanov has left the role detailing that his last day was “the most difficult one” as it involved writing “the most difficult press release”.

Today was my last day at @bg_eurovision and it was by far the most difficult one marked by the most difficult press release I had to prepare so far. Four amazing years are coming to an end. Big thanks to BNT for giving me a chance. I'll never forget! New chapter ahead! — Deyan Yordanov (@deyan_yord) October 12, 2018

Rumours swirl about withdrawal

Overnight, on Eurovision message-board service escnation, a comment sparked conversation about Bulgarian withdrawal with a message stating:

According to my source very close to EBU one country from the list in 2018 withdraws and that surprisingly is Bulgaria. Noone knows the exact reason, but apparently they have pulled out in the last second. ‘Alex’ on escnation



Whilst the official BNT Eurovision Twitter account has acknowledged Yordanov’s statement, they did not elaborate on the press release that was explicitly referenced.

We’ve detected that JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Would you like to proceed to legacy Twitter?

Bulgaria find consistency over the last four years

In his statement, Yordanov described the “four amazing years” which he has had as Eurovision project co-ordinator for BNT.

The past four years have seen consecutive final appearances for Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest as well as a very successful hosting of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Sofia in 2015 following a runner-up result secured by Krisia, Hasan & Ibrahim in 2014.

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015 was hosted by Poli Genova, widely recognised as a Eurovision fan favourite after her entry “Na inat” in 2011 was judged by many to have been ‘robbed’ as a non-qualifier.

Genova returned to represent Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song “If Love Was a Crime” and finished in a surprising fourth place, giving Bulgaria their best result to date at the time.

The following year, in 2017, supremely experienced young singer Kristian Kostov was selected internally to represent Bulgaria with the song “Beautiful Mess”. After winning his semifinal, Kostov finished in second place in the Grand Final and gave Bulgaria their first ‘podium finish’ at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Stick with ESCXTRA as we follow this developing story. We will bring you more following the publication of the aforementioned press release.

What is your favourite Bulgarian entry? Would you be disappointed to see Bulgaria withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.