CBC Addresses Criticism Over Lack of Black and Indigenous Representation Amongst Eurovision Finalists

CBC is responding to criticism about the lack of diversity in Canada’s five Eurovision finalists.

Earlier this week, the Canadian broadcasting company announced the five artists who would be vying to represent the country in its first-ever Eurovision appearance: Quebecois pop artist William Cloutier, singer-songwriter Josiane, dance-pop act Rêve, vocal powerhouse TALK and singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw. They were selected from over 300 entries.

But there's an omission that some have been noticing.

“I'd be lying if I said I wasn't saddened to see no Indigenous representation among the artists selected to showcase this country's roots, spirit and colours," writes rising singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish on Instagram after congratulating the finalists.

"Canada's Indigenous talent is rich, bold, unique and deeply woven into the fabric of this country."

Kish states that her hope “is that one day, truth and reconciliation will be more than words and promises and our Indigenous people will be reflected, honoured, lifted up and celebrated in a more meaningful way.”

Kish did not respond to request for comment.

She's not the only one who has noticed the lack of diversity in Canada's first prospective Eurovision cohort.

At a media event revealing the finalists at CBC headquarters in Toronto on Tuesday (Oct. 27), organizers were asked why there were no Indigenous or Black artists chosen. (Tyler Shaw is half-Chinese, the only non-white finalist.)

Citing timeline constraints, Jennifer Dettman, Canada's head of delegation for Eurovision & executive director of unscripted content at CBC, said they’re "making sure with Indigenous music organizations, with Indigenous artists, with Black artists, that we are talking with them, that we’re listening to them,” for future opportunities, CTV News reports.

Following Kish's comments, Dettman tells Billboard Canada that the jury and shortlist of artists are evaluated to represent “the cultural and linguistic diversity of Canada.”

“For many artists, Eurovision represents a new opportunity to be showcased on a global stage," she continues. "CBC/Radio-Canada will continue to do more outreach to all artistic communities. We are building a show for all of Canada. This is a long-term commitment."

Many artists have echoed Kish's sentiment. Songwriter and producer Andrew Jackson (Halsey, Katy Perry) writes in the comments of her post that "this thought crossed my mind when I saw the lineup. Singer and producer Deniz Renio says: "They did not think it appropriate to give at least one spot to someone representing at least one of these groups," concluding that "to have this happen in Canada of all places is very disappointing." Singer Theo Tams writes: "Yes to this."

Toronto pop singer Dani Doucette (a correspondent for Billboard Canada Women In Music 2025) has a different question. In a video on Instagram, she asks why there were no performances during the finalist unveiling.

“This is about artistry and the song, and I just felt like they really missed an opportunity to allow these artists to shine,” she says. “Because right now, it’s looking like a social media popularity contest...It’s missing the artistry part of the whole process.”

Following Tuesday's announcement, CBC/Radio Canada revealed on Wednesday (Oct. 28) that the five finalists would perform on in a special concert broadcast called Horizon Eurovision on Nov. 1, with 10 minutes allotted to each artist.

Eurovision has faced its own controversies in recent years. After Eurovision ruled that Israel would be allowed to compete, countries including The Netherlands and Ireland will again boycott the competition..

Eurovision is set for May 11-15 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria.