Canada is gearing up for its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with high hopes of making a memorable impact. The country faces the decision of whether to showcase a classic ballad reminiscent of Céline Dion’s 1988 success or to embrace the quirky and unconventional approach that Eurovision is known for, such as Greece’s recent performance featuring Akylas in a big orange cat costume.
The search is on for the perfect artist to represent Canada on the global stage, with the application process now open for aspiring performers. While the opportunity is open to all, CBC/Radio-Canada is specifically seeking individuals with a proven track record in the music industry.
Among the early contenders are Rêve, a Montreal native who clinched the 2023 Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year, Talk, who impressed at the 2024 Canada Day concert and secured the Juno for breakthrough artist of the year, and bbno$, a two-time winner of the Fan Choice Juno in 2025 and 2026.
Prospective Eurovision contestants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or above by May 1, 2027, capable of international travel, and able to pass standard background checks. Additionally, applicants must submit two videos showcasing their live performance skills and expressing their passion for Eurovision.
The selection process involves a shortlist of finalists being determined by CBC/Radio-Canada after the application deadline on September 9. The chosen artist will play a crucial role in shaping the final song, with the delegation reaching out to established songwriters for collaboration. The selected artist will be heavily involved in the songwriting process, production of a music video, and preparation for the Eurovision Grand Final in May.
Despite the challenges of being a first-time participant in a prestigious competition like Eurovision, Canada is eager to make a mark on the global stage and is committed to putting forward a strong contender for the coveted title.
