Canada is in. CBC/Radio-Canada and the European Broadcasting Union say Canada will enter the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
The announcement came less than a week after CBC was confirmed as a full member of the EBU.
“On this Canada Day, as we celebrate with Canadians across the country and around the world the richness and diversity of Canadian culture, we’re so excited to confirm that we’re bringing the world’s largest live music event to Canadians,” said Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, in a news release.
Next year, Bulgaria will host the 71st edition of the event, which is seen as a springboard for songwriters, singers and musicians.
The Eurovision Song Contest is known for pyrotechnics, extravagant costumes and performances that often embrace the bizarre. Last year, Canada ranked in the Top 3 countries in the “Rest of the World” vote.
Canadians were also among the largest ticket buyers outside Europe, with many travelling to Vienna, Austria, to attend the semi-finals and grand final in May.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome CBC/Radio-Canada to the Eurovision Song Contest family, a further sign that, while born in Europe, the Contest continues to welcome the world,” said Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, in a news release.
Canadians have appeared at Eurovision before. In 1988, Céline Dion won the contest for Switzerland, a moment credited with helping launch her career.
Other Canadians have also entered the competition, including Natasha St-Pier, who represented France in 2001, and Montreal’s La Zarra, who represented France in 2023.
The contest has also faced controversy. Earlier this year, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia boycotted the event to protest Israel’s continued participation while the war in Gaza continued.
A challenge to remove Israel was rejected by European broadcasters, but the country’s future participation is expected to remain controversial.
Canada is the first new country to join the Eurovision Song Contest since Australia in 2015. CBC/Radio-Canada will unveil details on how Canada’s entry will be selected later this year.
Read more from CBC.
