The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada will participate in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 2027 in Bulgaria.
The EBU, which oversees the contest, has welcomed Canada into the competition following the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) recent admission as a full member. The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual event where countries submit original songs, culminating in a broadcast marathon in May where performers take turns singing and both a national panel and viewers vote for their favorites.
To reach the Grand Final, countries must first compete in two semi-final performances. The final winner is determined by both a jury of music professionals and public votes, with the entry accruing the most points declared the victor.
Eurovision is often referred to as the world’s largest live music event. Last year’s edition attracted over 130 million viewers globally, featuring 35 countries, including the return of three nations: Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. Bulgaria claimed victory for the first time with Dara’s song “Banga Langa,” which led to the selection of Bulgaria as the host for the 2027 contest.
Canada is expected to fully engage as a competitor instead of having an exhibition performance, and reports suggest that if Canada wins, it will also host the event.
Martin Green, the Eurovision director, expressed excitement about CBC/Radio-Canada joining the contest family, stating, “This is further evidence that while the contest originated in Europe, it continues to embrace the world.” He added that with Canada participating as a full EBU member, he’s looking forward to seeing its distinct creativity and energy showcased on stage in Bulgaria.
Prime Minister John Carney celebrated the news online, posting, “The Eurovision Song Contest just got tougher,” on social media.
He also shared a video highlighting the strengths of the Canadian music industry, where he noted, “Canada is the third largest exporter of music worldwide after the U.S. and the U.K. The world is eager for Canadian culture, and this offers yet another avenue to spread our message and unity.”
Originally a competition limited to Europe, Eurovision has significantly broadened its horizons since its inception in the 1960s. The 2026 competition includes participants from three Asian countries—Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Israel—as well as Georgia and Australia, reflecting the event’s large international fan base and its cultural connections to Europe.
Canada has its own history of involvement, although it has not participated officially as a representative. The contest has witnessed victories by Canadians, like the iconic Celine Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988. Other Canadian artists, such as Natacha St-Pierre and La Zara, have also represented France in past contests.
Earlier this year, the Carney administration proposed a parliamentary budget aimed at strengthening the CBC and exploring the possibility of joining the EBU. Reports indicated that Carney was actively involved in this initiative, expressing a personal connection to the contest and a desire for Canada’s participation in Eurovision’s future.
Eurovision’s director mentioned he would welcome Canada’s involvement, although there was no official confirmation at that time. “I’ve heard these rumors too. There’s nothing concrete on my desk, but we remain open,” he remarked.
Canada becomes the first new participant since Australia joined. However, the year 2026 posed challenges for several member states as five countries—Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands—withdraw. This withdrawal was somewhat linked to ongoing protests regarding Israel’s continued involvement in the contest. While Israel has been a participant since the 1970s, some activists have called for its expulsion, drawing parallels to Russia’s exclusion in 2021 due to its actions in Ukraine. Yet, the EBU has consistently maintained that Israel will continue to participate.
