Canadian public broadcaster CBC will open a public application window from August 31 until September 9 to choose the country's first representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. The selected artist will represent Canada at the 2027 competition in Burgas, Bulgaria, marking the nation's historic debut on the Eurovision stage.
The announcement follows official confirmation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after its 96th General Assembly in Prague, where CBC was admitted as a full member. The decision allows Canada to become the first country to debut in the song contest since Australia was admitted in 2015.
Canada first revealed its intention to enter Eurovision 2027 during celebrations marking the country's 159th anniversary. The 2027 event will take place in May in the Bulgarian port city of Burgas, located on the Black Sea coast. Bulgaria secured host duties following the victory of singer Dara, who won the country's first Crystal Microphone trophy with the song Bangaranga.
National Selection Process
Musicians who pass the initial screening round will be announced in the autumn before advancing to a second selection stage. The shortlisted performers will compete in an online vote evaluated by both an expert jury panel and the general public.
The winner of the vote will be named Canada's Eurovision representative and will work alongside Canadian music industry professionals. The team will focus on developing the final competition song and preparing the stage performance for the European contest.
CBC executive vice president Doug Smith encouraged Canadian musicians to submit entries for the national selection. Smith said that the broadcaster wanted an entry capable of making the most of the event's global reach, describing Eurovision as the largest music stage in the world.
Smith added that CBC was looking for a performer who combines charisma, passion, experience, and stage presence. He noted that the ideal candidate must demonstrate an ability to connect with large live audiences, whether through vocal power, a magnetic performance, or an original artistic presentation.
Political Support and Format
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the country will select its performer through a televised national final. Carney, who leads the Canadian Liberal Party, stated that citizens will decide which artist will represent the nation on the Eurovision stage.
Carney welcomed Canada's entry into the competition and confirmed the selection will follow a national contest format similar to Spain's Benidorm Fest. It remains unconfirmed whether Spain will take part in the 2027 edition of the festival.
To reach the Grand Final in Bulgaria, Canada will have to compete in the semi-finals. Unlike automatic qualifiers, the Canadian entry must secure enough votes in the semi-final stage to advance to the main show.
EBU Membership and History
The EBU stated that CBC's full membership strengthens the international reach of the contest and opens a new era for North American participation. Although 2027 marks Canada's first official entry as a competing country, Canadian performers have a long history with the festival.
Canadian singer Céline Dion delivered one of the most famous performances in Eurovision history when she won the 1988 contest representing Switzerland. Other Canadian-born or naturalised artists who competed for European nations include Lara Fabian for Luxembourg in 1988, Natasha St-Pier for France in 2001, and La Zarra for France in 2023.
Canadian viewers have also shown strong interest in the contest in recent years. During the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, Canada recorded one of the largest voting totals among non-participating nations in the Rest of the World category and was among the top international buyers of event tickets.
