If you’ve got strong vocal cords and you want to make history, you’ll want to clear up some time in your calendar today and apply now to represent Canada at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
In 2027, Canada will be competing in Eurovision for the first time ever, after CBC/Radio-Canada joined the European Broadcasting Union back in June.
The largest live music competition in the world has been around for 70 years and was watched by more than 130 million global viewers when it aired on May 16, 2026.
Bulgaria triumphed for the first time in the nation’s history when singer Dara won with a historic 173-point lead for her catchy hit “Bangaranga.”
Over the decades, the music competition has kickstarted the careers of Swedish supergroup ABBA and our very own Celine Dion.
Fun fact: Dion represented Switzerland and won the contest in 1988 by a single point for the French song “Ne partez pas sans moi.”
Goes to show you that a singing competition can get just as heated as a presidential election.
The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027 (the winning country always hosts the following year), but before then, Canada needs to choose its representative.
How can I apply for Eurovision?
So you think you’ve got what it takes to win it for Canada? Applications are now open, and anyone 18 years and older can apply so long as they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
“We are seeking a magnetic Canadian performer with an established career and a proven track record of captivating large live audiences, who is fully prepared to commit to this historic moment and the extraordinary adventure of the Eurovision Song Contest,” CBC states.
The broadcaster just released eligibility information on its dedicated Eurovision website, and there are a few requirements to keep in mind.
Applicants must be able to travel internationally and successfully pass standard background checks.
Canada’s Eurovision entry must include both English and French, and CBC says the selected artist will be consulted on their comfort level with Canada’s official languages before the final song is written.
The performance itself will be limited to three minutes with a lead vocalist and no more than five other people on stage. Vocals must be performed live, with no lip-syncing or Auto-Tune. Backing tracks and pre-recorded elements cannot replace or unduly assist the lead vocalist.
Canadians have until Sept. 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT to apply, after which a shortlist of artists will be selected by CBC/Radio-Canada, and the finalists will be announced sometime “in the fall.”
Then, the competition will be in the hands of Canadians, who will choose their favourite acts through an online vote.
“Results of the public vote will be combined with a review from an independent jury of music experts to decide which finalist will compete for Canada next May,” CBC says.
When Eurovision first launched in Switzerland in 1956, only seven countries entered the vocal race: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and, of course, Switzerland. Over the decades, more and more European nations — and countries from outside the continent — joined the jubilant spectacle, including Australia, Morocco and Israel.
But not every country has stuck around every year. Several nations have withdrawn or boycotted the contest for various political reasons, with some including the Netherlands and Spain choosing not to participate in recent years.
Another fun fact: with seven victories each, Ireland and Sweden are the most successful nations at the Eurovision Song Contest.
But with Canada making its grand debut next year, who knows? Maybe we’ll give those two powerhouses a run for their money — provided our Canadian dollar can keep up.
Originally published on Daily Hive.
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