The Eurovision Song Contest has confirmed new rules for its 2027 broadcast, including that a winning country will not be able to host if involved in an "armed conflict" or "sensitive geopolitical situation".
Bulgaria to host 2027 after winning the 70th edition
As Eurovision celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, it was Bulgaria who won the vote after an intense reveal showed them pipping Israel to the post. Dara performed her winning song, Bangaranga, after receiving a total of 561 points, meaning that next year's Eurovision competition will be held in Bulgaria.
Twenty-five countries took to the stage, with Look Mum No Computer the 14th act to perform on the night. His song Eins, Zwei, Drei was very different to our usual entries and viewers waited to see where we would place. After only receiving one jury vote, and then came the public vote where everything can change. Sadly, it was not meant to be as the UK received null points.
New rules on hosting eligibility and age requirements
Now, ahead of their 2027 competition which will be hosted in Bulgaria, the organisers have changed the rules so that the winning broadcaster will "automatically be ineligible to host" if their state is involved in an "armed conflict" or "sensitive geopolitical situation". The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the rule changes were made following feedback from participating broadcasters, adding the new rules would provide greater clarity for artists and production staff.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is constantly evolving, and our annual review of the Rules is an important part of making sure the contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate, including the millions who engage with the event globally. 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."
From 2027, all artists must also be at least 18 years old, rather than 16, on the day of their first rehearsal. The EBU has said this change "continues the work already undertaken by the contest to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing". It also aims to "strengthen protections for young artists and ensure the Eurovision Song Contest can always be hosted in a safe and secure setting".
Changes to live audio and past boycotts
Other rule changes announced on Wednesday include a change to the audio requiring the lead singer or singers must perform the main melody live. Backing tracks and pre-recorded elements may be used in accordance with the rules, but the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody and they cannot "replace or unduly assist" the live vocal performance. The EBU said: "The clarification is intended to protect the integrity of each performance and to ensure the audience always hears the lead vocals on each song performed live."
Last year, five competition regulars did not take part, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain choosing to boycott the event. The countries said they were boycotting the competition due to Israel's participation following the conflict in Gaza. Some countries called for a vote to see if Israel should be allowed to participate, but as this vote was not held they chose to boycott instead.
