For the first time in 2027/ A new country joins Eurovision

2026-07-01 19:11:00, Lifestyle CNA

After becoming a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Canada becomes the first new country to join the contest since 2015.

Canada will take part in the European Song Contest (Eurovision) in 2027, organizers have confirmed. The country becomes the first new entrant to join the competition since 2015, when Australia joined.

The path for Canada's participation was opened last week, when the country's public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the body that organizes this annual competition.

Although it is the first time Canada has competed as a country, it has a long history with the festival. Quebec-born singer Céline Dion represented Switzerland in 1988 and won the trophy with the song "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi." Other Canadian artists have also represented countries such as France over the years.

According to organizers, Canada's debut will take place at next year's semifinals in Bulgaria. Details on how the Canadian representative will be selected are expected to be announced by CBC/Radio-Canada later this year.

Canada's participation comes after a tumultuous year for Eurovision, with several countries including Ireland, Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia withdrawing from the 2026 contest due to controversy over Israel's participation.

This year's winner was Bulgarian pop star Dara with the song "Banagaranga", so the 2027 edition will be held in Sofia. Eurovision leaders have left open the possibility of dialogue on the return of countries that boycotted this year, expressing the desire for the Eurovision "family" to be reunited. /CNA