Canada is gearing up for its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with high hopes of leaving a lasting impression. The country is faced with the decision of whether to follow in the footsteps of Céline Dion’s 1988 success with a soulful ballad or to embrace the quirky and unconventional approach that Eurovision is known for, as seen in Greece’s recent performance where Akylas donned a large orange cat costume.
The selection of the Canadian representative for this global event holds significant weight, and the application process is now open for aspiring performers. While the competition is open to all, CBC/Radio-Canada is seeking performers with a solid 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 Canada Day concert and took home the 2024 Juno Award for breakthrough artist of the year, and bbno$, a double 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, with the ability to travel internationally and pass standard background checks. The application process includes submitting videos of a live performance and expressing passion for Eurovision.
Candidates must possess exceptional vocal skills and be proficient in singing in both English and French, as per the contest rules. The shortlist of finalists will be determined by CBC/Radio-Canada after the application portal closes on September 9.
Jennifer Dettman, the head of delegation for Eurovision Song Contest Canada, highlighted the importance of selecting candidates with a strong digital presence, stage comfort, and existing fanbase in Europe. While established artists are favored for the inaugural year, emerging talents are also encouraged to participate.
The final selection of the Eurovision representative for Canada will be a combination of online public voting and a jury vote. The chosen artist will then embark on a journey of song creation and preparation for the Grand Final in May.
The selected artist will play a pivotal role in shaping the final song, with support from established songwriters engaged by the delegation. The rigorous preparation process will culminate in March, where all song submissions will undergo vetting before the main event.
Despite the hard work involved, artists are assured of fair compensation and unparalleled exposure on the Eurovision stage. The opportunity presents a platform for artists to showcase their talent to a global audience, with the potential for immense visibility akin to the Super Bowl halftime show.