Canada Officially Joining The Eurovision Song Contest In 2027

The Eurovision Song Contest is set to expand once again, with Canada officially confirmed as a new participant for the 2027 competition. The BBC reports that Canada will become the first country to join the event since Australia entered the contest in 2015. The announcement comes after a turbulent year for Eurovision, during which several long-time participants, including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, withdrew because of concerns surrounding Israel's involvement.

Canada secured its place in the competition after its national broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, obtained full membership in the European Broadcasting Union, the organization responsible for producing Eurovision each year. EBU Director General Noel Curran welcomed the achievement, saying Canada's presence within the organization helps strengthen the broadcasting community as a whole. The move also follows an effort by the Carney government, which previously allocated C$150 million to support the public broadcaster as it explored becoming part of the internationally celebrated event.

Even though 2027 will mark Canada's first official appearance as a competing nation, the country already has a connection to Eurovision history. Quebec native Celine Dion famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with her song "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi". Since then, other Canadian artists have represented different countries, including Natasha St-Pier for France in 2001 and Montreal singer La Zarra for France in 2023. Canada also joins a list of non-European participants that includes Israel, Australia, and Morocco.

Organizers confirmed that Canada will make its long-awaited debut during the semi-finals of next year's contest. The 2027 edition will be held in Sofia after Bulgarian pop star Dara claimed victory at the 2026 competition in Vienna with her song "Bangaranga". It remains unclear whether the countries that chose to boycott the event will return, but Eurovision director Martin Green told BBC News that broadcasters are always welcome back into the Eurovision family. CBC/Radio-Canada is expected to announce its artist selection process later this year.