Kristian Kostov wins Public Choice Award at EBBAs

Each year 10 European artists receive an EBBA for the success of their first release outside their home territory. This success is measured by sales, live shows and airplay on EBU Member radio stations which contributes to their postition on the European Border Breakers Charts. 

Artists that qualify for the 2018 EBBAs have experienced groundbreaking success with their first international release in Europe between August 1 2016 and July 31 2017. Alongside that, they have to come from a country that participates in the EU’s Creative Europe programme. In addition to Kristian winning the Public Choice Award, Blanche (Belgium 2017) and Salvador Sobral (Portugal's Eurovision winner) also received awards.

Breaking new ground

Kristian Kostov started his musical journey at the age of 6. After going solo when he was 11 years old, he took part in many competitions, but the first big boost for Kristian’s career was his 2014 appearance on Russia’s The Voice Kids, where he was mentored by former Eurovision Song Contest winner Dima Bilan.

Kristian represented Bulgaria at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv with the song Beautiful Mess. He participated in the second Semi-Final, finishing in first place before going on to finish second in the Grand Final, Bulgaria's best ever placing in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Kristian received a hero's welcome when he returned home to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, following the Eurovision Grand Final. His entry, Beautiful Mess, became the most played song in the Bulgarian TV and radio airplay charts for 2017. Kristian is now collaborating with fellow successful 2017 Eurovision act, Jowst from Norway, with the song to be released this spring. 

Kristian took to Twitter to express his thanks after he won the Public Choice Award at the EBBAs:

Kristian has continued to perform international and recently released his new single, The One (I Need You). Listen to the song on Spotify and check out the video below:

European Border Breakers Awards, now in its 15th year, is an EU prize, set up in co-operation with the European Broadcasting Union and the European Commission, supported by Buma Cultuur, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the province of Groningen, the city of Groningen and MartiniPlaza.