"I don't get that joy": Canadian Eurovision fan reflects on Canada's Eurovision debut

Kyriakos Tsinivits
6 hours ago
4 min read

OPINION: While many Eurovision fans have welcomed the news of Canada's Eurovision debut in 2027, not all Canadians have shared the excitement.

Following Canada's admission as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Canada is set to make its Eurovision debut in 2027, becoming the first new competing country since Australia joined the Contest in 2015.

Many Eurovision fans have celebrated the historic announcement, but not every Canadian has greeted the news with unbridled excitement.

We spoke with Dave, co-host of the Building Bridges Eurovision Podcast, who has a background in teaching Canadian history and politics, is a long-time Canadian Eurovision fan and friend of Aussievision, to hear his thoughts on what Canada's entry means for both the country and the Contest.

Eurovision 2026 stage / Photo credit: EBU

A historic moment... with mixed emotions

For many fans, Canada's debut represents the culmination of years of speculation.

For Dave, however, his initial reaction was more complicated.

"Given the current state of Eurovision, my first reaction was one of disappointment," he said.

Rather than viewing the announcement purely through a Eurovision lens, Dave believes Canada's EBU membership reflects the country's broader international direction.

"Canada seems to be on a scorched Earth policy when it comes to the United States these days... Stronger ties with Europe are part of that, and as we make closer ties to Europe economically and politically, the cultural side makes sense - again - from the government's point of view."

More than music?

The Eurovision Song Contest has always insisted it is a non-political event, but Dave believes international politics inevitably become part of the conversation whenever countries are involved.

"As we all know, any venue where countries are involved is political, no matter how much the EBU cries otherwise. Anyone would be a fool to say, however, that this isn't a massive soft power win for the Carney government."

He believes Canada's participation could strengthen relationships beyond the Contest itself.

"It will open up new links and connections to Europe, time will tell where they lead."

Is Canada ready for Eurovision?

Despite Canada's growing Eurovision community, Dave says the Contest is still far from mainstream.

"The number of people who know what Eurovision is in Canada is growing but is still infinitesimally small."

He credits the 2020 Netflix film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, with introducing Eurovision to more Canadians but believes awareness remains limited.

Dave also suggests he would have preferred Canada to follow Australia's path into the Contest.

"Put it on TV, grow a fan base, get involved, join."

In his view, building a stronger domestic audience before competing may have made the transition feel more natural.

Finding Canada's first Eurovision artist

One of the biggest questions now is who will become Canada's inaugural Eurovision representative.

While the selection process is yet to be announced, Dave believes experience will be crucial.

"I think going into this we need to find our own Delta Goodrem — someone with an established career who would be happy to take this on with a smile and have fun with it."

Rather than launching with a large national final immediately, Dave believes an established artist could help build momentum before Canada eventually develops its own selection show.

Questions over Canada's path to Eurovision

Dave admits the circumstances surrounding the decision to include Canada at Eurovision leaves him conflicted.

"I said I was disappointed about the way Canada entered, preferring the Australian method. But I can't ignore the elephant in the room. It's no secret the EBU is having a rough go and is hurting financially from the boycotts."

He points to the challenges currently facing the EBU and wonders whether Canada's membership would have happened under different circumstances.

"They need to get countries back and new ones on board. It makes me wonder if the world were at a different stage and there were no boycotts - would we be talking about Canada entering the Contest? I would have to say no. That's what hurts me the most as someone who loves Eurovision so much."

"I'm sure many Aussies remember the joy of hearing the news that you'd take part in Vienna. I don't get that joy."

Instead, he says he can't help but question whether Canada's entry is partly a response to the Contest's current challenges.

"I'm left thinking about the awful reasons why it feels like we've 'snuck' into the Contest, and that's something I can't support."

Canada at Eurovision

Canada's Eurovision debut is undoubtedly one of the biggest developments in the Contest's recent history, but as Dave's reflections show, not every fan views the announcement in the same way.

For some, it's a dream finally realised. For others, it's a milestone accompanied by difficult questions about timing, politics and the future direction of Eurovision.

Regardless of where fans stand, one thing is certain: all eyes will now turn to Canada's first representative. Their debut in 2027 won't just introduce a new country to the Eurovision stage, it will begin an entirely new chapter in the Contest's ever-evolving story.

Check out the Building Bridges Eurovision Podcast at https://buildingbridgespod.com/