Kostov, known for the hits Beautiful Mess and The One (I Need You), has been singing since the age of 6, first in the group Neposedy, and after 2011 as a solo artist. He finished as runner-up in X Factor Bulgaria, the country which he represented in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. His voice earned him comparisons to singers like James Arthur, Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran. Kristian Kostov takes over from last year’s winner Dua Lipa.
The EBBA show also featured outstanding performances by the following EBBA 2018 winners: Alice Merton, Alma, Blanche, Kristian Kostov, Off Bloom, Sigrid, Skott and Youngr. Salvador Sobral couldn’t attend the show due to his health condition, therefore his manager accepted the award on his behalf.
Over the coming year the EBBA TV show will be broadcast by several European public channels. Highlights of the show can be watched through the EBBA's Youtube channel.