Canada to join Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria in 2027

Canada is set to make its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2027, with the event scheduled to take place in Bulgaria. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the contest, announced the news from Geneva.

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Canada will participate next year in the music spectacle Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Bulgaria.

This expansion marks a significant development for the EBU, offering a welcome piece of positive news following controversies surrounding Israel's participation and subsequent boycotts by five countries. Canada will be the second country from outside Europe to compete, following Australia's inclusion in 2015.

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For the EBU this is after the controversies surrounding Israel's participation and the resulting boycott by five countries a welcome good news.

The decision to host the 2027 contest in Bulgaria stems from the victory of Bulgarian singer Dara in the 2026 competition with her song "Bangaranga." Canada's participation becomes possible after the public broadcaster CBC/Radio Canada recently became a member of the EBU, an organization with over 100 members globally.

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Canada will be the second country from overseas to send a song into the race for the ESC crown.

The EBU noted that Canada has a historical connection to the ESC, having "won" in 1988 when Canadian singer Céline Dion represented Switzerland. That performance was a pivotal moment in Dion's career, laying the foundation for her global stardom.

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Canada won the competition in a way once before, namely in 1988. Back then, the Canadian Céline Dion won - but for Switzerland.