Day Dedicated to Children’s Voices on NOVA Raises nearly €100,000 for UNICEF Programmes

21 September 2026, Sofia. NOVA and UNICEF joined forces in support of children. On 20 September, children took their well-deserved place at the heart of the broadcaster’s programming. This joint initiative raised nearly € 100,000 in support of UNICEF’s causes. 

Through appeals for solidarity with UNICEF’s mission and dedicated content aired throughout the day, from the morning show “Wake Up” to NOVA News, culminating in a special charity edition of “Singing or Lying”, the media company stood alongside the United Nations Children’s Fund as an active partner. The special day concluded with the programme’s first-ever charity live show, where eight celebrities, eight children, the beloved host Dimitar Rachkov, and the show’s dedicated panelists united to support children in need. 

The funds raised throughout the day will support UNICEF programmes for children in Bulgaria and around the world, helping to create a better future for every child through access to healthcare, education and protection, as well as greater opportunities to thrive. 

“Our responsibility as a media organization is not only to reflect on the world we live in, but also to help make it a better place for future generations. Last night, we witnessed the talent and hope of many children, as well as the commitment of outstanding Bulgarian public figures who inspired us all to dream bigger and bolder. I am proud that our long-standing partnership with UNICEF enables us not only to raise awareness of the issues that matter most to children, but also to turn good intentions into tangible support and real opportunities for them.”  - Krasimira Hadzhiyska, Chief Executive Officer of Nova Broadcasting Group.  

“I would like to say thank you to the children and families who inspire us, to all participants, NOVA Television and all partners who made this possible, and to everyone supporting UNICEF's work for every child. Thank you to the viewers and donors. Your generosity is a powerful expression of solidarity, and a reminder that when we come together, we can help build a brighter future for every child”  - said Mioh Nemoto, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria. 

During the special evening, the stage of “Singing or Lying” welcomed some of Bulgaria’s most popular performers, including DesiSlava, Toni Dimitrova, Galena, Mihaela Marinova, Miro, Orlin Pavlov, Fiki and Veselin Marinov. They took on the challenge of determining which of the eight children beside them possessed genuine musical talent and which were successfully misleading them with impressive acting skills. 

Across several rounds, the celebrities relied on their experience, intuition and the guidance of the panelists to make the right choices. The children, in turn, demonstrated not only the courage to perform live on a major stage, but also remarkable confidence, character and a great sense of humour. 

At the end of the evening, the big winner was Mihaela, who had hidden her talent behind the nickname “The Dancer.” Together with Miro, she won the hearts of both the audience and the jury, and the two delivered a truly memorable and beautiful duet of the song “Ako Utre Nyama Dnes” (“If Tomorrow Never Comes Today”). 

Among the funniest moments of the evening were those when the celebrity panelists were completely mistaken. Veselin Marinov was convinced that Mihail the Athlete could sing, but the truth turned out to be quite the opposite. 

More importantly, the special day on NOVA highlighted something far greater: how much children can achieve when they are given the opportunity to be heard, to showcase their talents and to step confidently into the spotlight. 

And for Singing or Lying, the musical journey is only just beginning. The fourth season of the show continues every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on NOVA. 

Follow the show’s official Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels, as well as the NOVA website, for more information. Episodes will also be available on NOVA PLAY after broadcast.