Eurovision will continue its intercontinental expansion in 2027 by allowing Canada to compete, according to the BBC. The announcement of a new country competing, the first of its kind since Eurovision welcomed Australia in 2015, arrived on Wednesday, one day ahead of the country’s Canada Day holiday. Other non-European countries that have competed over the years include Israel and Morocco.
Organizers ruled North American country could compete after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which governs the song contest, allowed the CBC/Radio-Canada fully into its fold last week. Even though the inclusion feels warm and cuddly, the move is notable as delegate radio networks from five countries — Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia — have announced they no longer wished to compete in Eurovision in protest of the contest allowing Israel to compete. Nemo, the Swiss artist who won in 2024, returned their trophy out of protest of Israel’s participation. They may change their minds, though, and compete against Canada in 2027.
“Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger,” Noel Curran, the EBU’s director general, said, according to the BBC.
Also notable is the fact that Canadians have already competed in Eurovision, as countries can choose who represent them. Celine Dion won the competition for Switzerland in 1988 for her rendition of “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.” The BBC reports that Canadians Natasha St-Pier La Zarra have both represented France in 2001 and 2023, respectively.
The CBC/Radio-Canada will explain how it will select its representative artist at a later date. Whoever they pick will make their debut at the 2027 semifinals in Bulgaria.
Speaking of which, Bulgaria’s Dara won the 2026 competition with her song “Bangaranga,” which is why ’27’s competition will take place in Sofia. Israel claimed second place for Noam Bittan’s “Michelle.”
Later this year, Eurovision will set its sights on Asia where organizers will stage a competition with a November finale booked in Bangkok. As of March, 10 countries had already agreed to participate. “This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special,” the competition’s director, Martin Green, said when announcing the event. “Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”
