In 2027, Canada will send an artist and a song to the Eurovision Song Contest.The 71st edition of the competition will take place in May in Burgas, Bulgaria.
Officially, it will mark Canada’s first participation in the contest, although several Canadian artists have made their mark on Eurovision over the years: Natasha St-Pier (France, 2001), Lara Fabian (Luxembourg, 1988), Rykka (Switzerland, 2016), La Zarra (France, 2023), Annie Cotton (Switzerland, 1993) and Sherisse Laurence (Luxembourg, 1986).
Céline Dion even took home the top prize representing Switzerland in 1988 with Ne partez pas sans moi. The win helped launch her international career.
Interested artists can submit their applications now at: cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/eurovision.
For this edition, the performer will be selected before the song is developed.
The selection criteria are as follows.
Eligibility & Status: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 years or older as of May 1, 2027, with the ability to travel internationally and to successfully pass standard background checks.
Elite Vocal Command: A lead performer capable of delivering a show-stopping, 100% unprocessed vocal performance under intense live pressure.
High-Impact Originality: A performer who brings a distinctive artistic identity driven by creative originality, high-energy charisma, or an infectious stage presence.
Performance Under Pressure: A professional artist with a proven ability to perform for substantial live audiences and/or televised broadcasts, possessing the psychological readiness and stamina to navigate intense international media scrutiny while delivering a captivating, arena-level physical performance.
Language: Song will include both of Canada’s official languages and may also include other languages. The selected artist will be consulted regarding their comfort level in the official languages so that the song can be written accordingly.
European Market Viability: While not a strict requirement, an existing European footprint is an asset for an artist who must ultimately be voted into the finals by EBU member countries.
Availability: Artist must be able to commit fully to an intense, uncompromising rehearsal and domestic and international travel schedule (and possess required travel documents to do so).
Digital Footprint: An active, highly engaged digital footprint is an asset, as online fan engagement is critical to driving the Eurovision Song Contest audience vote.
Artist’s Dream: An artist with a lifelong dream of competing on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. This must be a passion project fuelled by a desire to fully embrace the contest’s spirit.
Compliance & Compensation: The artist and songwriting team will enter into agreements which grant CBC/Radio-Canada and the EBU broad worldwide rights to the Eurovision Song Contest performances (and all related content) on all platforms in perpetuity (in accordance with the requirements of the EBU). The artist(s) will be compensated in accordance with CBC/Radio-Canada’s collective agreements and such compensation will reflect the extent of the rights granted.
Collaboration: Every aspect of the artist’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest will happen in collaboration with CBC/Radio-Canada.
