Canada confirms Eurovision entry for 2027 edition in Bulgaria, first new country since Australia

Canada's entry confirmed on Canada Day

On July 1, the European Broadcasting Union and CBC/Radio-Canada jointly announced that Canada will participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Bulgaria. The announcement, timed for Canada Day, makes Canada the first new country to join the competition since Australia’s debut in 2015. The Canadian public broadcaster will compete in the semi-finals and reveal its artist selection process later this year.

“On this Canada Day, while we celebrate with Canadians across the country and around the world the richness and diversity of Canadian culture, we are thrilled to confirm that we are bringing the world’s largest live music event home to Canada.”

Path paved by full EBU membership

The move follows CBC/Radio-Canada’s upgrade to full membership of the European Broadcasting Union at the union’s general assembly in Prague on 25 June. Until then, the broadcaster had been an associate member since 1950. Full membership grants the right to enter Eurovision, and CBC seized the opportunity. EBU Eurovision director Martin Green told Variety the broadcaster’s interest grew naturally as it pursued full EBU status.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome CBC/Radio-Canada to the Eurovision Song Contest family — a further confirmation that, while born in Europe, the Contest continues to welcome the whole world.”

Historical Canadian ties to Eurovision

Canadian artists have a long history with the contest, most famously Céline Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988 with “Ne partez pas sans moi”. In recent years, Canadian fans have ranked among the top three countries in the official “Rest of the World” online vote, and they comprised one of the largest groups of ticket buyers from outside Europe for the 2026 shows in Vienna. Green also confirmed that if Canada ever wins, the EBU would stage the 2028 contest on Canadian soil.

Bulgaria hosts after first win

The 2027 contest moves to Bulgaria after singer Dara earned the country its first victory at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga”. The 70th edition drew an average global TV audience of 131 million viewers, down 35 million from the previous year, after five countries boycotted the event over Israel’s participation. The dispute over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza also fueled speculation about the EBU’s financial health.

2025166

2026131

2025

166 million viewers

2026

131 million viewers

Data from the article text

Selection details and what lies ahead

CBC has said it will share details on how the Canadian entry will be chosen later in 2026. Some Eurovision countries stage televised national finals, while others select entries internally. Bouchard said the debut will allow Canadian talent to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious music stages, while letting fans finally see their country represented. Green, addressing rumours of financial strain linked to the boycotts, dismissed them as “bollocks” and insisted the EBU will be around “for many, many years to come.” Separately, the EBU is preparing to launch Eurovision Asia in Thailand this November.