Canada to compete in Eurovision Song Contest 2027 after rule change
Canada will be competing in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria, marking the first new country to join the contest since Australia in 2015. Entry to the annual song competition was granted after Canada's national broadcaster CBC Radio-Canada joined the European Broadcasting Union last week.
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and chief executive of CBC Radio-Canada, said: "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." She added that participation in Eurovision will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, stated: "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." He noted that Canada has a proud and memorable connection to the contest, with Canadian artists having left a lasting mark on audiences.
Canada will compete in next year's semi-finals, with details of the country's entry selection process to be announced in due course. Prior to Canada's admission as a non-European entrant, Australia has competed since 2015 despite holding only associate membership of the EBU. Israel has participated since 1973, having been a full EBU member since 1957.
Canada has a notable connection to Eurovision through Celine Dion, who won the 1988 contest for Switzerland with "Ne partez pas sans moi". The 2027 contest will take place in Bulgaria for the first time, following this year's winner, Bulgaria's Dara, who won with "Bangaranga".
Israel's ongoing participation in Eurovision has faced scrutiny, with five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia—boycotting this year's contest in protest over Israel's conduct in Gaza.