Applications Open For Artists to Represent Canada at Eurovision Song Contest
Billed as the largest live music competition in the world, Eurovision will welcome the first Canadian participants in 2027.
Celine Dion at Eurovision 1988,
Eurovision fever in Canada is about to heat up dramatically.
The Eurovision Song Contest has long aroused both public and media interest in Canada, even though the country has never been allowed to enter. That has just changed with the recent news that the 2027 edition of Eurovision will mark Canada’s inaugural entry in the Contest.
That announcement was fittingly made on Canada Day. As reported in Billboard Canada, Canada became eligible to enter after CBC/Radio Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). While the national broadcaster has been an associate member of the EBU since 1950, its full member status allows it to compete in Eurovision, further nurturing the relationship between Canada and Europe.
Now, the national search is on for the artist who will represent Canada for the very first time. This morning (August 24), CBC/Radio Canada announced that starting Monday, August 31, interested Canadian artists will be able to access the Eurovision portal here. The registration period will end on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Find eligibility and participation requirements at the link.
Over the decades, Eurovision has helped reveal or propel the careers of artists such as Céline Dion, Lara Fabian (representing Switzerland and France respectively), ABBA, Lulu Sandie Shaw, France Gall and Måneskin.
Doug Smith, executive vice=president of CBC, observes that ''We invite artists from across Canada to be part of this remarkable adventure with us. We are seeking a magnetic Canadian performer with a genuine passion for representing Canada and a proven track record of captivating very large live audiences, whether through exceptional vocal power, electrifying stage presence, or truly original artistry,”
Canadians will then have their say on which finalist they want to represent Canada in the Eurovision Song Contest through a digital vote. Videos featuring each artist will be posted on the Eurovision Song Contest Canada website. The public vote will then be combined with a review from a music industry jury to determine which finalist will represent Canada in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria.
A number of Canadian artists, including Billboard Canada charting star TALK, have already declared their interest.
Finalists will be announced this fall.
