Maria Ilieva is the big star of "Burgas and the Sea" 2026: See the finalists

Maria Ilieva celebrates 25 years on stage in Burgas

One of the most beloved Bulgarian performers, Maria Ilieva, will be a special guest at this year's edition of the National Song Contest "Burgas and the Sea". At the Summer Theatre on August 1st, the audience will enjoy a jubilee recital marking 25 years since the beginning of her impressive career.

"Burgas and the Sea" remains one of the most prestigious forums for Bulgarian music, attracting dozens of original compositions every year.

The finalists in the contest

After a rigorous selection process by the jury, 11 songs reached the final stage. Here they are:

• One Second of Love – perf. Samuel Manuelian and Mariana Dobreva
• One Destiny – perf. Filip Donkov
• Life Like a Movie – perf. Severin
• Where Summer Winters – perf. Fandango band
• Summer Has Run Out – perf. Teodora Ilieva
• The Reason for the Earthquake – perf. Kalina Despodska
• Lonely Wind – perf. Lunapark band
• After You – perf. Stea
• Sunny Girl – perf. Dimitrina Germanova
• This Is Me – perf. Maria Gogusheva
• A Whole Ocean – perf. Damyan Popov and Maria Nakova

Fans can now support their favorite via online voting for the Audience Award on the official contest website. Tickets for the event are available through the Eventim network and at the "Clock" box office.