Phoenix 24
A landmark debut expands the contest beyond Europe.
OTTAWA, CANADA — July 2026. Canada will officially debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, becoming the first new country admitted to the international competition since Australia joined in 2015. The European Broadcasting Union and CBC/Radio-Canada confirmed that the country will participate in the semifinals of the 71st edition, scheduled to take place in Bulgaria following the nation’s victory at the 2026 contest.
Canada’s participation became possible after CBC/Radio-Canada was elevated from associate status to full membership in the European Broadcasting Union during its General Assembly in June. This change grants the Canadian public broadcaster the right to submit an original song and performer to Eurovision, while also expanding its access to international journalism, technology and public-media collaboration networks.
CBC/Radio-Canada is expected to announce later in 2026 how its first Eurovision representative will be selected. The process could involve a televised national competition, an internal selection or a combined system using public and professional voting. The chosen artist will carry the Canadian flag onto one of the most watched musical stages in the world.
Although Canada has never competed as a country, several Canadian performers have previously appeared in Eurovision representing European nations. The most famous example is Céline Dion, who won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.” Other Canadian artists have also represented countries including France, Luxembourg, Greece, Malta, Austria and Switzerland.
Canada’s entry could strengthen Eurovision’s international reach by connecting the competition with a large bilingual market and one of the world’s most influential music industries. Canadian audiences have shown growing interest in the contest through digital platforms, international voting and travel to Eurovision events, making the country a natural candidate for future participation.
The decision also reinforces Eurovision’s gradual transformation from a predominantly European competition into a global cultural platform. Australia’s participation demonstrated that countries outside Europe could become established competitors, while the introduction of international voting has further expanded the event’s global appeal.
CBC/Radio-Canada officials described the move as an opportunity to showcase Canadian talent before a massive international audience. Eurovision organizers, meanwhile, presented Canada’s inclusion as a new chapter for a competition that continues to grow beyond its traditional geographic boundaries.
Canada’s first appearance in Bulgaria in 2027 is expected to generate significant attention as fans await the country’s choice of performer, song and musical identity.
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