Canada is gearing up for its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest, aiming to leave a mark on the international stage. The country faces the decision of whether to follow in the footsteps of Céline Dion’s iconic 1988 win with a soul-stirring ballad or take a more unconventional route, akin to Greece’s recent performance featuring Akylas in a quirky orange cat costume.
The search is on for the perfect candidate to represent Canada, with the application portal now open for aspiring performers. While the opportunity is open to all, CBC/Radio-Canada is seeking seasoned artists with a proven track record of success.
Several contenders have already thrown their hats into the ring, including 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 nabbed the breakthrough artist Juno in 2024, and bbno$, a two-time Fan Choice Juno winner in 2025 and 2026.
To be eligible, aspiring Eurovision contestants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older by May 1, 2027, capable of international travel, and able to pass standard background checks. The application process requires candidates to submit two videos showcasing their live performance skills and expressing their passion for Eurovision.
Candidates must possess exceptional vocal abilities and be willing to sing in both English and French, as per the contest rules. The selection process will involve a combination of an online public vote and a jury decision to determine the inaugural Canadian representative for Eurovision.
The chosen artist will play a significant role in shaping the final song but need not bring original music to the table. The delegation is actively engaging with the songwriting community to craft a compelling entry for the competition. The selected artist will be heavily involved in the songwriting process, music video production, and performance preparation leading up to the Grand Final in May.
While the workload is substantial, artists will be compensated for their efforts, with the promise of priceless exposure on a global scale. The journey to Eurovision success for Canada promises to be a thrilling and rewarding adventure.