You can apply to be Canada's first-ever Eurovision competitor next week
If you’ve got strong vocal cords and you want to make history, you’ll want to clear up some time in your calendar next week. You could very well become the next Celine Dion!
In 2027, Canada will be competing in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time ever, after CBC/Radio-Canada joined the European Broadcasting Union back in June.
The largest live music competition in the world has been around for 70 years and was watched by more than 130 million global viewers when it aired on May 16, 2026.
Bulgaria triumphed for the first time in the nation’s history when singer Dara won with a historic 173-point lead for her catchy hit “Bangaranga.”
Over the decades, the largest live music competition in the world has kickstarted the careers of Swedish supergroup ABBA and our very own Celine Dion.
Fun fact: Dion represented Switzerland and won the contest in 1988 by a single point for the French song “Ne partez pas sans moi.”
Eurovision
Goes to show you that a singing competition can get just as heated as a presidential election.
The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027 (the winning country always hosts the following year), but before then, Canada needs to choose its representative.
How can I apply for Eurovision?
So you think you’ve got what it takes to win it for Canada as it enters its first-ever Eurovision contest in 2027? According to CBC, submissions open Aug. 31, and anyone 18 years and older can apply so long as they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
“This must be a passion project fueled by a desire to fully embrace the contest’s spirit,” the broadcaster states. More information on eligibility will be released on CBC’s dedicated Eurovision website on Aug. 31.
Performers have until Sept. 9 to apply, after which a shortlist of musicians will be selected by CBC/Radio-Canada, and finalists will be announced sometime “in the fall.”
Then, the competition will be in the hands of Canadians, who will choose their favourite acts through an online vote.
“Results of the public vote will be combined with a review from an independent jury of music experts to decide which finalist will compete for Canada next May,” CBC states.
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller says Canada is the fourth biggest music exporter in the world and deserves to be recognized on such a huge stage.
“Canadian music carries the uniqueness and diversity of our land, languages, cultures, people and stories. Canada’s participation in Eurovision is a unique opportunity to showcase who we are, with pride and confidence, on the world stage,” Miller said in a statement.
When Eurovision first launched in Switzerland in 1956, only seven countries entered the vocal race: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and, of course, Switzerland. Over the decades, more and more European nations — and countries from outside the continent — joined the jubilant spectacle, including Australia, Morocco and Israel.
But not every country has stuck around every year. Several nations have withdrawn or boycotted the contest for various political reasons, with some including the Netherlands and Spain choosing not to participate in recent years.
Another fun fact: with seven victories each, Ireland and Sweden are the most successful nations at the Eurovision Song Contest.
But with Canada making its grand debut next year, who knows? Maybe we’ll give those two powerhouses a run for their money — provided our Canadian dollar can keep up.