Canada is gearing up for its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with high hopes of making a mark on the international stage. The country faces the decision of whether to showcase a traditional ballad reminiscent of Céline Dion’s iconic 1988 performance or to embrace the quirky and unconventional style that Eurovision is known for, like Greece’s recent entry featuring Akylas dressed as a large orange cat.
As the search for Canada’s representative commences, the spotlight is on potential artists to make their mark. Among the early contenders are Rêve, a Montreal native and 2023 Juno Award winner for Dance Recording of the Year, Talk, who impressed at the 2024 Canada Day concert and won the Juno for breakthrough artist of the year, and bbno$, a two-time Fan Choice Juno winner in 2025 and 2026.
To be eligible for the competition, contestants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old by May 1, 2027, capable of international travel, and able to pass standard background checks. The selection process involves submitting two videos – a live performance and a statement expressing their passion for Eurovision.
Jennifer Dettman, head of delegation for the Eurovision Song Contest Canada at CBC/Radio-Canada, emphasized the importance of finding artists with a strong digital presence, stage comfort, vocal prowess, and a European fan base. While established artists are likely to dominate the initial shortlist, emerging talents are encouraged to apply, with the final decision to be influenced by a combination of public and jury votes.
The chosen artist will play a significant role in shaping the final song, with support from the songwriting community. They will be immersed in the creative process leading up to the Eurovision Grand Final in May, involving songwriting, music video production, and performance preparation. Despite the demanding schedule, artists are promised fair compensation and the invaluable exposure that comes with participating in Eurovision.