Canada will officially participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, marking the country’s debut as a contestant in the long-running musical event. The announcement follows the recent confirmation that CBC/Radio-Canada has become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization that owns and operates the annual competition.
Formal Accession to the Eurovision Family
Canada’s entry into the competition was confirmed on July 1, 2026, following a successful vote at the EBU’s general assembly in Prague. The move makes Canada eligible to compete in the annual singing event, which has expanded its reach significantly in recent years. According to Variety, the initiative to join was reportedly tied to broader efforts by the Canadian government to strengthen political and economic ties with Europe.
The EBU expressed enthusiasm regarding the expansion, noting that the contest continues to draw global interest despite its European origins. “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, via CBC.
Historical Ties and Popularity in Canada
While 2027 will mark Canada’s first official entry as a nation, the country has a storied history with the contest. Most notably, Céline Dion won the competition in 1988 while representing Switzerland, a victory widely credited with launching her international career. Other Canadian artists have also graced the Eurovision stage, including Natasha St-Pier for France in 2001 and La Zarra for France in 2023. Sherisse Laurence, representing Luxembourg in 1986, holds the distinction of being the first Canadian to participate, finishing in third place.
Domestic interest in the program has remained high even without a national entry. In the most recent competition, Canada ranked in the top three countries in the “Rest of the World” voting bloc. Additionally, Canadians consistently rank among the largest groups of ticket-buyers traveling from outside Europe to attend the semi-finals and grand finals. This sustained fan engagement was a key data point cited by the EBU when evaluating the viability of expanding the competition to North American broadcasters.
Navigating the Global Stage
Canada joins a small group of non-European nations that have been granted entry. Israel has participated since 1973, and Australia became a regular participant in 2015. The inclusion of Australia, which was initially invited as a one-off for the 60th anniversary, proved that the EBU was willing to look beyond its traditional geographical footprint if a member broadcaster could demonstrate strong public interest and logistical capability. The expansion of the contest comes as the EBU manages a complex geopolitical landscape. During the 2025 competition, five nations—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia—boycotted the event to protest Israel’s participation. While the EBU rejected formal challenges to exclude Israel, the debate surrounding the participation of various nations remains a point of contention among viewers and broadcasters.
Next Steps for the 2027 Selection
The 71st edition of the contest is scheduled to take place in Bulgaria next year, following their victory in the 2026 cycle. For Canadian officials, the focus has now shifted to the logistics of selection. CBC/Radio-Canada has announced it will unveil the specific process for choosing the nation’s inaugural representative later this year. This process will likely involve a combination of internal talent scouting and a potential televised national selection show, a format used by many European broadcasters to build domestic hype before the international competition begins.
“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.”
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, via CBC
The expansion into North America follows previous attempts to adapt the Eurovision format for other markets, including a failed American version on NBC in 2022. As the EBU looks toward 2027, the inclusion of a major North American market like Canada represents a significant effort to maintain the contest’s relevance and reach, which spanned 131 million people across 35 TV markets in the most recent cycle. By securing a full-member broadcaster with a national reach, the EBU aims to stabilize its trans-Atlantic presence and provide a platform for Canadian artists to reach a massive European audience, potentially mirroring the career-defining trajectory once experienced by Dion.
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