Canada has Australia 'on speed dial' ahead of Eurovision 2027 debut
Canada has revealed it is leaning on Australia's Eurovision experience as it prepares to make its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.
Speaking during a media event attended by Aussievision, Canada's Head of Delegation Jennifer Dettman confirmed she has been in regular contact with Australia's Head of Delegation, Emily Griggs from SBS, as the country prepares for its first appearance.
Canada will become the first new country to join Eurovision since Australia made its debut in 2015, with both nations entering the competition from outside Europe.
Asked by Aussievision whether Canada had been learning from Australia's experience as a newcomer to the Contest, Jennifer was quick to acknowledge the support received from the Australian delegation.
"Absolutely, Emily Griggs, who's the head of delegation at Australia. I'm pretty sure I have her on speed dial,"
Jennifer, who is also CBC's Executive Director of Unscripted Content, explained that Canada had sought advice from a range of experienced Eurovision delegations as it developed its approach to the competition.
"We need to learn from others, so we've talked with so many different delegations," she said.
"I have to say it is quite a community. They have been generous with their time, and we've learned so much."
She also revealed how influential those conversations had been in shaping Canada's preparations for its first year.
"So much of what we did in our first year came from them. Came from their learnings."
Jennifer said Canada had taken lessons from different countries and adapted them to suit its own circumstances, while acknowledging that its approach could evolve in future years.
Australia's Eurovision connection with Canada
Australia and Canada have long enjoyed close cultural and political ties, with Eurovision even making its way into conversations between the two countries' Prime Ministers.
In May 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney in Rome while attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Following the meeting, Mark revealed that the pair had discussed Australia's shock Eurovision semi-final exit, with Go-Jo narrowly missing out on the Grand Final with Milkshake Man.
"[Albanese is] the only world leader who can discuss spirituality, the global economy, vegemite hygiene & how Go-Jo was robbed at Eurovision in one go," Mark posted on X.
Go-Jo had finished 11th in his semi-final, just one place outside the qualifying positions.
The exchange showed that Eurovision was already a talking point between the two nations' leaders, even before Canada confirmed its own participation in the Contest.
Canada to choose their Eurovision artist
The comments came as broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada unveiled the five artists competing to become Canada's first Eurovision representative.
The Canadian public will have a say in selecting the artist, with the successful performer then working with music industry professionals to develop their Eurovision entry.
Canada will make its debut at Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the Grand Final taking place on 15 May.
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