Canada is gearing up for its first-ever appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest, with high hopes to leave a lasting impression. As the country prepares to take the stage, the big question remains: will Canada opt for a classic approach reminiscent of Céline Dion’s historic 1988 victory with a heartfelt ballad and strong vocals? Or will it embrace the quirky and eccentric style that Eurovision is known for, possibly following in the footsteps of Greece’s recent performance where Akylas donned a large orange cat costume and delved into a video game-inspired act?
The decision on who will represent Canada at this prestigious event lies in the hands of the chosen artist. The application process is now open for performers to showcase their talents on the global platform. While the opportunity is open to all, CBC/Radio-Canada is specifically seeking artists with a proven track record in the industry.
Several potential contenders have already thrown their hats into the ring. Among them are Rêve, a Montreal-born artist who clinched the 2023 Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year. Additionally, there’s Talk, who garnered attention at last year’s Canada Day concert and secured the Juno for breakthrough artist of the year in 2024. Lastly, bbno$, a two-time Fan Choice Juno awardee in 2025 and 2026, is also in the running.
To qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older by May 1, 2027, with the ability to travel internationally and pass standard background checks. Besides these basic requirements, candidates will need to submit two videos showcasing their live performances and expressing their passion for Eurovision.
The selected artist must possess exceptional vocal abilities and be proficient in singing in both English and French. The song contest regulations mandate that all submissions include lyrics in both languages. As a result, versatility and language proficiency are crucial for aspiring contestants.
The selection process will conclude on September 9, after which CBC/Radio-Canada will shortlist finalists with the help of industry experts. While established artists are likely to dominate the initial shortlist, emerging talents are also encouraged to participate. Canadians will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performer from the shortlist, with the final decision being a combination of public and jury votes.
Once the artist is chosen, the focus will shift to crafting the perfect song for Eurovision. While the selected artist will have a significant say in the final composition, the delegation is actively engaging with established songwriters to ensure a memorable entry. The chosen artist will be immersed in various activities leading up to the competition, culminating in the Eurovision Grand Final in May.
Despite the demanding schedule, artists involved will be compensated for their efforts, with the ultimate reward being the exposure gained from participating in one of the world’s most-watched music events.