Canada's first Eurovision entry opens to applications next week

Canada is making its historic debut at Eurovision in 2027, and the country is now hunting for its first-ever competitor. Applications open August 31, and close September 9.

Anyone aged 18 or older who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can apply. The CBC, which is running Canada's entry after joining the European Broadcasting Union in June, says submissions "must be a passion project fueled by a desire to fully embrace the contest's spirit." Full eligibility details will be posted on the a reporter website when applications open.

After the application window closes, the CBC will select a shortlist of musicians. Finalists will be announced sometime in the fall, after which Canadians will choose their favorite acts through an online vote. Results from the public vote will be combined with a review from an independent jury of music experts to determine who represents Canada in May 2027.

The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria. Bulgaria won the 2026 contest when singer Dara triumphed with a 173-point lead for "Bangaranga."

Canada is joining a competition that has been running for 70 years and drew more than 130 million global viewers when it aired May 16, 2026. The contest has launched the careers of major artists: Swedish supergroup ABBA won in 1974, and Celine Dion won for Switzerland in 1988 by a single point with the French song "Ne partez pas sans moi."

Europe has historically dominated Eurovision, but the contest has expanded over decades. When it began in Switzerland in 1956, only seven countries competed. Today, artists from Australia, Morocco, and Israel have all entered. Some nations have withdrawn or boycotted for political reasons, including the Netherlands and Spain in recent years. With seven victories each, Ireland and Sweden hold the record for most Eurovision wins.

Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller said Canada's participation is an opportunity to showcase the country globally. "Canadian music carries the uniqueness and diversity of our land, languages, cultures, people and stories," he said in a statement. "Canada's participation in Eurovision is a unique opportunity to showcase who we are, with pride and confidence, on the world stage."

Canada is the world's fourth-biggest music exporter.