Canada opens search for artist to make Eurovision debut in 2027

Canada has begun looking for the artist who will make its first appearance at Eurovision in 2027, with the public set to help choose the country’s debut representative.

CBC/Radio-Canada is seeking an established performer with experience before large audiences, the ability to sing live under pressure and a strong digital presence. European market potential would be preferred. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and at least 18 years old on May 1, 2027.

The broadcaster will choose the performer first and develop the song afterward. The entry will include Canada’s two official languages, English and French, although it may also feature other languages. CBC/Radio-Canada plans to announce a shortlist this autumn. Canadians will vote online, and the result will be combined with the judgment of a professional music-industry panel. The representative will be announced before the end of the year.

Several artists have already shown interest, including Juno Award winners Rêve, Talk and bbno$. Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously announced Canada’s Eurovision participation and said the public would play an active role in selecting its first entry.

Canada already has a notable connection to the contest through Céline Dion. Born in Quebec, Dion won Eurovision in 1988 while representing Switzerland, singing the French-language song “Ne partez pas sans moi” in Dublin. She won with 137 points, giving Switzerland its second victory. The win helped bring the 1989 contest to Lausanne, before Dion went on to become one of the world’s most commercially successful singers.