Canada will join the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, becoming the first new participant since Australia in 2015, organisers have announced. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Canadian public broadcaster CBC made the announcement on Canada Day, a national holiday.
Participation Details
Participation in Eurovision is not limited to geographic Europe; it is open to all members of the EBU, which Canada joined last week. Australia is an associate member. The 2027 contest will be held in Bulgaria in May, following Bulgaria's victory in the 2026 contest with singer Dara.
CBC President Marie-Philippe Bouchard said the participation “will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.” The CBC will announce details of how Canada’s entry will be selected later this year. Some countries choose competitors through televised national selections, while others have entries picked by the national broadcaster.
Historical Context and Future Expansion
Canadians have previously entered Eurovision under other flags, most famously Céline Dion, who won the 1988 contest competing for Switzerland. Eurovision’s director, Martin Green, said Canada’s accession was “a further sign that, while born in Europe, the contest continues to welcome the world.”
The 70th Eurovision contest in May featured 35 countries and was won by Bulgaria’s Dara. Next year’s competition will take place in Bulgaria. Eurovision has faced protests in recent years over Israel’s participation; five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia—boycotted this year after organisers declined to exclude Israel over its conduct in the war against Hamas in Gaza and violence in the West Bank.
Viewership and Spin-Off
The 2026 Eurovision final was watched by 130 million viewers worldwide, down from 160 million in 2025. Despite financial and viewership blows from the boycott, the contest is set for expansion, with a spin-off Eurovision Asia due to take place in Bangkok in November.
