Canada is gearing up for its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with high hopes of making a lasting impression. The country faces a crucial decision in selecting its representative for the prestigious event. Will they opt for a traditional, heartfelt ballad reminiscent of Céline Dion’s iconic 1988 victory, or will they embrace the quirky and unconventional style that has come to define Eurovision, akin to Greece’s recent performance featuring Akylas dressed as a giant orange cat in a video game-inspired act?
The search for Canada’s Eurovision contender is underway, with aspiring performers invited to apply through the open portal on CBC/Radio-Canada’s website. While the competition is open to all, the network is seeking seasoned performers with a strong track record in the music industry.
Several artists have already thrown their hats into the ring, including Rêve, a Montreal native who clinched the 2023 Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year. Talk, another contender, made waves at last year’s Canada Day concert and secured the Juno for breakthrough artist of 2024. Additionally, bbno$, a two-time Fan Choice Juno winner in 2025 and 2026, is also vying for the coveted spot.
Prospective Eurovision participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or above by May 1, 2027, with the ability to travel internationally and pass standard background checks. The application process involves submitting two videos: a live, unedited performance and a personal statement outlining their passion for Eurovision.
Candidates must possess exceptional vocal prowess and be fluent in both English and French for the bilingual competition. As per the contest rules, all submissions must include lyrics in both languages. The selection criteria emphasize a strong online presence, stage confidence, powerful vocal abilities, and an existing fan base in Europe.
CBC/Radio-Canada’s head of delegation for Eurovision Song Contest Canada, Jennifer Dettman, emphasized the importance of learning quickly in their debut year and collaborating with music and television experts to curate a shortlist of potential candidates. The selection process will involve a combination of public online voting and a jury panel to determine the final representative.
The chosen artist will play a significant role in shaping the final song, with opportunities for collaboration with established songwriters. The selected performer will be actively involved in the songwriting process, music video production, and the live performance leading up to the Eurovision Grand Final in May.
Despite the intense workload, Dettman assured that the artists will be duly compensated for their efforts, with the exposure and recognition from Eurovision being the ultimate prize. The selected artist is expected to be announced before winter, marking the beginning of an exciting journey towards representing Canada on the global Eurovision stage.