The Eurovision Song Contest has updated its rules so the winning country can now be prevented from hosting the following year's event. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can hand hosting duties to another broadcaster and country if the winning nation does not accept or follow Eurovision's rules.
New Hosting Rules for 2027
The updated rules will apply to the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, which will take place in Bulgaria following DARA's win this year. The amendment was approved by the contest's governing body, following feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.
Countries will automatically be ineligible to host if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation or another situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of the country or its immediate region. This also includes situations where the winning country has attempted to unfairly influence the result or engaged in activities which undermine Eurovision's non-political character.
Security Assessments and Precedents
If necessary, the EBU has said it will commission an independent security assessment of the winner's region. Countries have hosted on behalf of the previous winner before – most recently when the UK hosted in Liverpool in 2023 on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine. However, under these new rules, a country will host in its own right and will not be required to host on behalf of the previous year's winning broadcaster.
While a country can be deemed ineligible to host, it does not affect their participation in Eurovision and does not change the result of the contest.
Age, Vocals, and Voting Changes
The EBU also announced another major change regarding the minimum age for participating artists. Until now, the minimum age for a performer has been 16, but from 2027, all artists must be at least 18 years old on the day of their first rehearsal.
There are also new guidelines regarding vocals, which state the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody. Changes to the semi-final voting were also confirmed, with qualification now described as being primarily determined by the audience vote.
The updates follow feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Director of the Eurovision Song Contest Martin Green explained: "Guided, as always, by feedback from our Members, we have clarified and strengthened several areas for 2027."
"These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special."
