CBC/Radio‑Canada has confirmed that Canada’s debut Eurovision entry will be performed in both French and English.
The broadcaster, which serves as Canada’s national public broadcaster, has outlined its approach ahead of the nation’s first participation. This includes the announcement that Canada’s entry will be performed in two of the country’s official languages, reflecting the bilingual identity of the nation.
CBC/Radio‑Canada said:
“[The] song will include both of Canada’s official languages and may also include other languages. The selected artist will be consulted regarding their comfort level in the official languages so that the song can be written accordingly.”
The broadcaster also highlighted the following requirements:
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 years or older as of 1 May 2027, with the ability to travel internationally and to successfully pass standard background checks
A lead performer capable of delivering a show-stopping, 100% unprocessed vocal performance under intense live pressure.
A performer who brings a distinctive artistic identity driven by creative originality, high-energy charisma, or an infectious stage presence.
A professional artist with a proven ability to perform for substantial live audiences and/or televised broadcasts, possessing the psychological readiness and stamina to navigate intense international media scrutiny while delivering a captivating, arena-level physical performance.
While not a strict requirement, an existing European footprint is an asset for an artist who must ultimately be voted into the finals by EBU member countries.
Artist must be able to commit fully to an intense, uncompromising rehearsal and domestic and international travel schedule (and possess required travel documents to do so).
An active, highly engaged digital footprint is an asset, as online fan engagement is critical to driving the Eurovision Song Contest audience vote.
An artist with a lifelong dream to compete on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. This must be a passion project fuelled by a desire to fully embrace the contest’s spirit.
The artist and songwriting team will enter into agreements which grant CBC/Radio-Canada and the EBU broad worldwide rights to the Eurovision Song Contest performances on all platforms in perpetuity.
Every aspect of the artist’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest will happen in collaboration with CBC/Radio-Canada.
Canadian musical artists must submit their applications before 9 September at 11:59 pm PT to be considered. Once applications close, a shortlist of finalists will be chosen and the finalists will be announced in the autumn.
The shortlisted singers will go through to a digital vote with performance videos uploaded to the Eurovision Song Contest Canada website. The public and a jury of music experts will then select the act that will represent Canada this coming May at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Source: CBC/Radio-Canada
Canada in Eurovision+
Canada has previously participated in Eurovision Young Dancers in 1987 and 1989. Canada’s participation in the 1987 contest marked the first time that a country outside the European Broadcasting Area participated in a Eurovision Contest. Several Canadian singers have also represented other countries at the Eurovision Song Contest, such as Sherisse Laurence (Luxembourg 1986), Annie Cotton (Switzerland 1993), Natasha St-Pier (France 2001), Rykka (Switzerland 2016), La Zarra (France 2023) and Céline Dion (1988 winner for Switzerland).
CBC/Radio-Canada was first reported to be exploring participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in November 2025. The broadcaster also sent observers to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.