10-year-old Vanessa Kancheva from Dobrich is the big winner of the 29th edition of "Northern Lights"

Monday, 13 October 2025

In the full Great Hall of the Dokhodno zdanie, the gala concert was held last night, which concluded the 29th edition of the International Competition for Young Performers of Bulgarian and Popular Songs "Northern Lights". The best participants were awarded, and the grand prize - Grand Prix, was won by 10-year-old Vanessa Kancheva from Dobrich. The event is organized by the "Northern Lights" Association with director maestro Vili Ikonomov and with the support of the Ruse Municipality and the Municipal Youth Center.

The Mayor's Award of the Ruse Municipality went to Borislava Borisova from Svishtov. The talented performer competed in the 4th age group, where she also took first place. The award was presented to her by Deputy Mayor Zdravka Velikova.

“For days, our city lived with music, inspiration and emotion – with the spark that only art can ignite. We thank the participants for their courage and talent, the jury for their professionalism, and maestro Vili Ikonomov and the team for the dedication with which they have been preserving the spirit of the festival for nearly three decades. You are all the real winners, because you have the gift of creating beauty and sharing it,” said Zdravka Velikova.

The grand winner of the competition, Vanessa Kancheva, performed the songs “Cabaret” by Liza Minnelli and “Seven Times” by Vasil Naydenov. With these two performances, she won the hearts of the jury consisting of Toni Dimitrova, Haigashod Agasyan, Svetoslav Loboshki, Eva Naydenova, Todor Modolev and Vili Ikonomov. The young Dobrichli resident is a graduate of the “Shinning Voices” Singers Studio and vocal pedagogue Siyana Stefanova in her hometown. The talented girl dedicated her performances and her success to her father, who was a birthday boy.

Traditionally, before the award ceremony, Toni Dimitrova delighted Ruse residents and guests of the city with her songs. She shared with the audience how much she loves Ruse and how every time she visits here she feels at home. The Burgas singer sent special congratulations to her colleague and friend Eva Naydenova on the occasion of her birthday.

Within 3 days, 56 participants competed in 5 age groups. The performers who competed for the prizes in this year's edition of "Northern Lights" were from all over Bulgaria. This year, the youngest participant was 4-year-old Niya Osman from Tutrakan.

The event was also attended by the regional governor Dragomir Draganov.

You can see all the awardees here.

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