This is how Canada will choose its Eurovision 2027 entry
- Dale Roberts
- 45 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Canada has revealed how it will choose its first-ever Eurovision representative, with the public set to have a say in who flies the Canadian flag in Bulgaria next May.
CBC/Radio-Canada has confirmed it will hold a national search for the artist who will represent Canada at the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 in Burgas.
But unlike many Eurovision national selections, Canadians will not initially be voting for a song.
Instead, Canada will choose its artist first, then create the Eurovision entry afterwards.
Artists before the song
CBC/Radio-Canada will open submissions to Canadian artists and their representatives from August 31 to September 9.
The broadcaster will then select a shortlist of finalists which it says will represent the diversity of Canada’s music scene. Those finalists will be revealed during the Canadian autumn.
Videos introducing each artist will then be published on Canada’s Eurovision website, with Canadians able to vote online for the performer they want to represent the country.
The public vote will be combined with an assessment from a music industry jury to determine Canada’s first Eurovision representative.
Importantly, the winning artist will not necessarily arrive with their Eurovision song already selected.
Once the artist has been chosen, they will work with music industry professionals to develop Canada’s song and performance for Eurovision 2027.
What is Canada looking for?
CBC says it is searching for an established performer capable of handling one of the biggest live television stages in the world.
Doug Smith, Executive Vice-President of CBC, said the broadcaster wanted a performer with both a strong connection to Canada and experience in front of major audiences.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest music stage in the world, and we invite artists from across Canada to be part of this remarkable adventure with us,” he said.
“We are seeking a magnetic Canadian performer with a genuine passion for representing Canada and a proven track record of captivating very large live audiences, whether through exceptional vocal power, electrifying stage presence, or truly original artistry.”
That requirement suggests Canada may be looking beyond emerging acts for its debut, with applicants expected to demonstrate an established record as live performers
Artists have already shown interest
Several Canadian artists have already expressed interest in representing the country at Eurovision.
Among them is Vancouver-born rapper bbno$, who has said he plans to put himself forward for 2027. The JUNO Award-winning artist has previously expressed interest in Eurovision and has collaborated with acts including Joost, Kalush Orchestra and Tommy Cash.
Canadian singer Rêve has also confirmed she is interested in entering, with more names likely to emerge once submissions open.
Canada’s Eurovision 2027 selection process
Canada’s first Eurovision selection will work like this:
August 31 to September 9: Artists submit applications to CBC/Radio-Canada.
Canadian autumn: CBC selects and announces a shortlist of finalists.
Public vote: Canadians watch videos from the shortlisted artists and vote online.
Jury review: A music industry jury also assesses the finalists.
Artist selected: The combined public and jury result determines Canada’s Eurovision representative.
Song created: The selected artist then works with industry professionals to develop Canada’s Eurovision song and staging.
It means Canada’s first Eurovision selection will be closer to an artist selection competition than a conventional national final featuring several finished songs.
Canada will make its Eurovision debut when the contest is held in Burgas, Bulgaria, with the semi-finals on May 11 and 13 and the Grand Final on May 15, 2027.
