The search for Canada’s first Eurovision star is officially on. CBC/Radio-Canada is looking nationwide for the artist who will make history as the country’s inaugural representative at the international music competition. Starting Aug. 31, Canadian artists will be able to register through CBC/Radio-Canada’s Eurovision portal for the chance to represent the country at the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria. The registration period runs until Sept. 9. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old and meet the competition’s other eligibility requirements. CBC executive vice-president Doug Smith says the broadcaster is looking for a “magnetic” performer with “a proven track record of captivating very large live audiences, whether through exceptional vocal power, electrifying stage presence, or truly original artistry.” The broadcaster will select a short list of finalists this fall, then invite the public to vote digitally for the favourite. The public vote will be combined with a review from a music-industry jury to determine Canada’s representative. CBC/Radio-Canada says the winning artist will then work with leading music-industry talent to create Canada’s Eurovision song and performance. Interested Canadian artists can find out more at CBC/Radio-Canada’s Eurovision portal at cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/eurovision. Eurovision is considered one of the world’s largest live music spectacles. Organizers say more than 130 million viewers across 35 markets watched this year’s edition, and that the event also saw unprecedented social engagement, drawing more than a billion views on Instagram alone. The competition has helped propel the careers of several major artists. When Céline Dion won the competition for Switzerland in 1988, it launched her to international stardom. A decade earlier, the contest helped turn ABBA from a Swedish touring band into global superstars, while more recently, Italy’s Maneskin achieved international success following their 2021 win. Canada’s participation marks the country’s first appearance in the competition, which has been held annually since 1956. The 71st Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place next May at Arena Burgas in Burgas, Bulgaria. The competition has not been without controversy — Israel’s participation amid the conflict in Gaza prompted five public service broadcasters to boycott the event this year. Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS said on Monday it was withdrawing for a second year, saying “the event can no longer be considered neutral, with a participating country still involved in a large-scale military conflict.” In 2022, the European Broadcasting Union banned Russia from competing after the invasion of Ukraine. With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2026. Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
