Canada will enter the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

Canada will enter the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

Canadians among largest ticket buyers outside of Europe

Today is the day fans of over-the-top talent shows and campy musical performances have been waiting for: Canada is entering the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.

The announcement was made by CBC/Radio-Canada and the European Broadcasting Union less than a week after confirming CBC had become a full member of the EBU.

"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," said Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, in a news release.

Next year, Bulgaria will host the 71st edition of the event, which is seen as a springboard for songwriters, singers and musicians.

The Eurovision Song Contest is known for its pyrotechnics, extravagant costumes and performances that often embrace the sublimely bizarre.

Last year, Canada ranked in the Top 3 countries in the "Rest of the World" vote. Canadians were also among the largest ticket buyers outside of Europe, with many travelling to Vienna, Austria, to attend the semi-finals and grand final in May.

"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," said Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, in a news release.

Canadians have been on this stage before

In 1988, a young Céline Dion won the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Switzerland. That moment is credited with helping to launch her career.

Since then, other Canadians have entered the competition, including Natasha St-Pier, who represented France in 2001, and Montreal's La Zarra, who represented France in 2023.

But the show is not without controversy.

Earlier this year, five countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted the contest to protest Israel's continued participation in the event while the war in Gaza continued.

A challenge to kick Israel out was rejected by the European broadcasters, but the country's future participation is expected to remain controversial.

Why a song contest has emerged as Europe’s most controversial election

Canada is the first new country to join the Eurovision Song Contest since Australia in 2015.

CBC/Radio-Canada will unveil details on how Canada's entry will be selected later this year.

Helen Surgenor is a producer for CBC News based in Toronto, currently working for the entertainment unit. She spent years waking up before dawn to make the daily news podcast World Report. She has reported in Alberta, Iqaluit and Barbados. You can reach her at helen.surgenor@cbc.ca.