Canada to debut at Eurovision Song Contest 2027

Canada will take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest 2027, organizers of the international music competition announced, according to Reuters and AFP.

"Canada is the first new country to join the Eurovision Song Contest since Australia in 2015 and will compete in the semifinals when it joins the competition next year," the European Broadcasting Union said in a statement.

Canada's public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, will announce later this year how the country's representative will be selected, the EBU said. Next year's contest will be hosted by Bulgaria, which won the competition for the first time in its history in May, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

The annual music competition, known for its flamboyant costumes and upbeat performances featuring pop artists from across Europe and beyond, celebrated its 70th edition in 2026. This year's contest was overshadowed by controversy over Israel's participation, following criticism linked to the country's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, launched after the October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas.

Participation in Eurovision is not limited to countries located in Europe but is based on membership in the EBU, an alliance of public broadcasters that also includes countries outside the continent. Australia's broadcaster, Special Broadcasting Service, is an associate member, which enabled Australia to receive its original invitation to compete.

Last week, CBC/Radio-Canada announced that it had become a full member of the EBU, making Canada eligible to participate in the 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place next year in Bulgaria.

Although Canada has never previously competed in Eurovision, several Canadian artists have left their mark on the contest. Most notably, Céline Dion won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in Dublin with the song Ne partez pas sans moi.

Photo: Eurovision