Canada has joined Eurovision – and I couldn’t be happier. That’s what we’re about

Since its creation by the European Broadcasting Union in 1956, EUROVISION The song contest has delighted, confused and angered music fans not only in Europe, but around the world. And now that the CBC is a full member of the EBU, Canada is eligible to send one entry to the 71st competition set for somewhere in Bulgaria in 2027. It’s time to think about what we’re about.

What is Eurovision?

Eurovision is the biggest talent show in the world. EBU member countries (there are 57, together with 28 associate members, operating close to 2,000 television and radio channels that together reach about one billion people) hold national competitions. This year, the live TV audience was about 135 million in 35 broadcast markets. Millions more viewed on YouTube in areas beyond the EBU (that’s how I see it). In 2026 there were more than one billion views on Instagram.

So yeah, it’s a big deal. Canada will potentially gain a lot of European attention. And considering the problems we have with the neighbors, that’s a good thing, right?

When and where is Eurovision held?

The Eurovision Final takes place on the third Saturday in May, which coordinates nicely with our annual long weekend. The location moves almost every year. The national winners are sent to the finals, which take place at the venue of the previous year’s winner. The 2027 edition is in Bulgaria thanks to Dara who won with the song side. At this point, we are not sure if the gala will be in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna or Burgas. We’ll know for sure by the end of the month.

Wait. If it is eurosvision, why are there non-European participants?

If you are an EBU member, you are eligible. This means that the Eurovision region stretches from Iceland and Norway in the north to North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) in the Middle East (Israel, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq), plus Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in Central Asia. Australia is also part of the EBU (they joined in 2015), so like Canada, they can compete despite their distance from Europe.

How many countries compete?

That depends. A dozen countries, such as Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy, are permanent competitors. Others come in and out. For example, North Macedonia will return to the hunt after a four-year absence. Bosnia and Herzegovina may be back, but they have had financial problems recently, a problem shared by Slovakia and several other countries. Even politics can intervene. In 2026, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland boycotted all competitions for Israel’s continued participation amid the situation in Gaza. And of course, there is no Russia. By the time things get rolling for the 2027 edition, we should see 37 countries involved at some level.

How does an act end up in the Eurovision final?

Each country holds an internal competition. The national winners advance to the semi-final matches in the host country. Top 10 from each advancement. The only exceptions are the so-called Big Five (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy), which automatically take part in the grand final, giving us a total of 26 finalists. With each performer getting their three minutes (that’s the maximum song length allowed), it makes for a long night.

How is a winner determined?

Everyone performs their three-minute song, a song that has not been commercially available before the competition. The supporting tracks are rampant. Props, costumes and various effects are encouraged. There is no limit when it comes to wildness and weirdness.

After everyone has done their work, the judges vote for their favorites on a scale of one to 12 (except nine and 11; no one gets a nine or 11). Jurors cannot vote for their country. There is also a mass vote by phone, which really determines the winner. It is also the most unpredictable part of the process. The naming of a winner usually comes down to the final announcement of the distribution of votes. And yes, there are always allegations of backroom vote-trading deals, as well as attempts to sway the audience’s vote for a particular entry. It just adds to the intrigue.

Does Canada have any history with Eurovision at all?

Actually, yes. Celine Dion won as the representative for Switzerland in 1988. In 2001, Natasha St-Pier, who was born and raised in New Brunswick, placed fourth for France in 2001. Most recently, La La Zarra, originally from Montreal, was the representative of France in 2023.

So who will represent Canada in 2027?

we don’t know. We have to start from scratch when it comes to a Eurovision group and jury. We will then need to establish local rules, seek input and carry out a national selection process. Expect to hear more details within the next few months. Whoever we choose will have to compete in the semi-finals, so participation in the final next May is not certain.

What else should I know?

Apart from bringing attention to Dion in the 80s, ABBA’s big introduction to the world was when they won for the song Waterloo in 1974. More recently, Italy’s Måneskin achieved a rare victory for rock ‘n’ roll when they won in 2021 for the song Quiet and good. The subsequent fame helped them sell 40 million records worldwide. They even received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023.

What does our prime minister have to do with all this?

Mark Carney is a fan. The idea of ​​Canada’s participation in Eurovision began to spread immediately after taking office. He is excited.

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