Canada will participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, making its debut in the competition hosted in Bulgaria. This landmark entry follows the recent admission of its national broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, into the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) last week. Canada is the first new country to join the contest since Australia in 2015.
Canada will compete in the semi-finals, with its entry selection process to be announced in due course.
CBC/Radio-Canada President Expresses Enthusiasm
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, CBC/Radio-Canada's president and chief executive, expressed enthusiasm for the move. “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 said.
“Our participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, starting next year in Bulgaria, will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world. It will also allow fans in Canada to continue watching and voting in the song contest, as they have done for years – with the added thrill of seeing their own country represented on the Eurovision stage.”
Eurovision Director Welcomes Expansion
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green also welcomed the expansion. "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 said.
Canada was one of the top three countries outside of Europe to vote in the 2026 competition, while Canadians were also among the largest ticket-buyers outside of Europe.
Canada's Eurovision History
While Canada has never previously competed in the song contest, Canadian singer Celine Dion won the 1988 competition with her song “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” while competing for Switzerland.
Bulgaria to Host 2027 Contest
Bulgaria won the right to host the next Eurovision Song Contest after singer-songwriter DARA, who rose to fame after reaching the finals of the country’s version of The X Factor, won with her song “Bangaranga”. It was the country’s first win since its debut in the contest in 2005.
Israel came second with the Noam Bettan love song “Michelle”, which featured lyrics in English, Hebrew and French. The country’s participation was surrounded in controversy due to the war in the Middle East and five countries withdrew from the contest in protest at its inclusion. The UK’s entry Look Mum, No Computer came last, with just one point from Ukraine.
