In brief
The European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) newest full member, Canada, will make its first appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after CBC/Radio‑Canada achieved full membership. With a history that includes the 1988 win by Celine Dion for Switzerland and recent representations of Canada in French entries, the country is ready to step onto the international stage. Canada will compete in the upcoming semi‑final held in Bulgaria and will announce its national selection process later this year. The debut brings a fresh voice to Eurovision, alongside traditional participants plus former boycotting countries whose participation may return.
Canada will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2027, a move announced by the contest’s organizers after the country’s public broadcaster, CBC/Radio‑Canada, became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union.
This marks the first new country added to the roster since Australia joined in 2015, and follows a turbulent 2026 contest where several long‑standing participants dropped out over Israel’s inclusion. While the future of those boycotters remains uncertain, Canada’s debut provides fresh enthusiasm for the annual event.
The 2027 contest will begin with Canada’s entry in a semi‑final hosted in Bulgaria, where the venue for next year’s finals will also be decided. CBC/Radio‑Canada plans to announce its selection process for the Canadian entry later this year, potentially involving a national televised contest.
Canada already has a winning legacy: Quebec‑born pop icon Celine Dion represented Switzerland in 1988, bringing home the trophy for the country. In recent years, Canadians have also represented other nations – Acadian actress Natasha St‑Pier for France in 2001 and Montreal singer La Zarra for France in 2023.
The country’s integration into the EBU involved a shift from an associate to a full member, unlocking the right to participate in Eurovision’s “family of broadcasters.” Noel Curran, director general of the EBU, noted that “Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger.”
The 2026 contest, won by Bulgarian pop star Dara with the song “Bangaranga,” will influence the bidding for 2027’s host city, which will also be Sofia. Canada’s presence is expected to broaden the cultural tapestry of the contest and to reinforce the international reach of the Eurovision Song Contest.
