Canada is set to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, marking a significant moment for fans of extravagant musical performances. The announcement was jointly made by CBC/Radio-Canada and the European Broadcasting Union shortly after CBC’s full membership confirmation in the EBU.
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, the president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, expressed excitement on Canada Day about bringing the world’s largest live music event to Canadians. The upcoming 71st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by Bulgaria next year, offering a platform for songwriters, singers, and musicians to showcase their talents.
Known for its spectacular pyrotechnics and eccentric performances, the Eurovision Song Contest attracts a diverse audience, including a significant Canadian following. In the previous edition, Canada ranked among the top three countries in the “Rest of the World” vote and had one of the largest groups of ticket buyers from outside Europe.
The participation of CBC/Radio-Canada in the Eurovision Song Contest was welcomed by Martin Green, the director of the competition, highlighting the event’s global appeal. Notably, Céline Dion’s victory in the 1988 contest for Switzerland is considered a pivotal moment in her career, with other Canadians like Natasha St-Pier and La Zarra also making their mark in subsequent years.
However, the Eurovision Song Contest has not been without controversy, as evidenced by the recent boycott from five countries over Israel’s continued involvement amidst conflict. Despite the challenges, Canada’s entry into the competition signifies a new chapter, following in the footsteps of Australia, the last new country to join in 2015.
CBC/Radio-Canada will disclose further details on the selection process for Canada’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest later this year.