Canada is taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 (EBU)

Canada have confirmed they will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, after the country became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The EBU confirmed last week that Canada’s CBC/Radio-Canada had been granted full membership. This gave them access to enter Eurovision, should they wish.

Today (1 July), CBC/Radio-Canada have confirmed they will be taking part when Bulgaria hosts next year, making them the third non-European country – the first since Australia joined in 2015.

CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard said: “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.

“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.”

Martin Green CBE, the Director of Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, added: “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.

“Canada has a proud and memorable connection to the Contest, with Canadian artists, not least 1988 winner Céline Dion, having taken to our stage many times leaving a lasting mark on audiences around the world. With CBC/Radio-Canada now able to participate in the Contest as a full EBU Member, we look forward to seeing Canada bring its own voice, creativity, and energy to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Bulgaria in 2027.”

Canada will first compete in the semi-finals, with the hope of making it to the grand finale. Details on how Canada’s entry will be selected will be revealed later in the year.

The Eurovision Song Contest has seen a number of Canadian artists perform previously, most famously Céline Dion in 1988. The singer represented Switzerland that year, and won.

Switzerland was represented by another Canadian five years later, with Annie Cotton performing for them in 1993. She came third overall.

France, of course, has also had Canadian representation in the past. In 2001, Natasha St-Pier came fourth for France, boosting her career in France, Belgium and Canada.

More recently, La Zarra represented France in 2023.

Eurovision already has a lot of fans in Canada. The country was in the Top 3 nations picking their favourites in this year’s Rest of the World vote.

Many also flew over to Vienna and bought tickets to attend the shows in person.

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