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Canada will take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, marking the first new country to join since Australia in 2015.
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Organisers confirmed on Wednesday that CBC/Radio-Canada, the country’s public broadcaster, has become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
This means it is now eligible to join the competition, where it will debut at next year’s semi-finals. CBC/Radio-Canada will release details on how its entry will be selected in the coming months.
Canada joins Eurovision – and is already home to a winner
“Our participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, starting next year in Bulgaria, will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world,” says Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/ Radio-Canada.
“It will also allow fans in Canada to continue watching and voting in the Song Contest, as they have done for years – with the added thrill of seeing their own country represented on the Eurovision stage.”
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, also welcomed the move – paying tribute to Canadian-born singer Céline Dion, who won Eurovision back in 1988 when she represented Switzerland.
“With CBC/Radio-Canada now able to participate in the Contest as a full EBU Member, we look forward to seeing Canada bring its own voice, creativity, and energy to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Bulgaria in 2027,” he added.
Canadian interest in, and enthusiasm for, Eurovision is high. For the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May, Canada ranked among the top three countries in the “Rest of the World” vote.
Canadians were also among the largest ticket-buyers outside of Europe, with many travelling to Vienna to attend both the Semi Finals and Grand Final.
Eurovision’s ongoing boycott
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Bulgaria next year, following a nail-biting final that saw the country dethrone Israel in a dramatic public vote.
Singer Dara took home the trophy with her party anthem ‘Bangaranga’ – Bulgaria’s first-ever win. However, the contest was overshadowed by growing opposition to Israel’s involvement.
Before the first act had stepped on stage, protestors had already filled the streets of Vienna, calling for an end to its war on Gaza.
Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all withdrew from the competition over the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to participate. It is unclear whether they will be returning for next year’s contest – or if more countries will join the boycott.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.euronews.com ’
