Canada to make Eurovision debut in Bulgaria next year

Canada is set to make its historic debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria next year, becoming the first new participating country since Australia joined in 2015. This expansion follows the national public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, achieving full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

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On this Canada Day, as we celebrate with Canadians across the country and around the world the richness and diversity of Canadian culture, we’re so excited to confirm that we’re bringing the world’s largest live music event to Canadians.

CBC/Radio-Canada will announce later this year how it plans to select Canada's inaugural Eurovision entry. Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and Chief Executive of CBC/Radio-Canada, expressed excitement about showcasing Canadian talent on "one of the most storied music stages in the world." She added that this participation allows Canadian fans, who have long watched and voted in the contest, to see their own country represented.

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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.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, welcomed Canada's arrival as a sign of the competition's growing international appeal. "While born in Europe, the Contest continues to welcome the world," he stated. Canada's admission as a full EBU member last week, after being an associate member since 1950, facilitates this participation.

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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.

Canada already has a connection to Eurovision history through artists like Céline Dion, who won the contest for Switzerland in 1988. Canadian interest has surged in recent years, with the country ranking among the top three in this year's "Rest of the World" vote and Canadian fans being significant ticket buyers from outside Europe for the upcoming contest. Bulgaria will host the event after Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.

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