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Long before dawning the gold, glitter and extravagant outfits that would define his career as Talk, Nicholas Durocher had been a longtime fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, he’s one of the five finalists who may potentially represent Canada on its stage.
“I’ve been a fan for a long time, so it’s a huge honor. Everybody else selected was incredible — I think we can’t go wrong with any of the finalists, but I’m really proud to be one of them,” Durocher told CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning on Wednesday.
Durocher, known professionally as Talk, started his music career in the 2010’s as a bassist in a country band. After releasing his viral TikTok hit Run Away to Mars in 2021, his popularity only grew. He received several Juno award nominations and won breakthrough artist of the year in 2024.
Fast-forward to Wednesday when the Ottawa-born singer-songwriter was named one of Canada’s five Eurovision finalists, chosen from a pool of more than 300 performers.
WATCH | Stittsville singer-songwriter TALK selected as Eurovision finalist:
Stittsville singer-songwriter TALK selected as Eurovision finalist
Nicholas Durocher, who performs as TALK, is one of five artists who could represent Canada at the Eurovision song contest next spring. A public vote to decide the winner is now open until Nov. 5.’A superhero wrestler’
Durocher stands out for many reasons: among them, his striking look. At Monday’s Eurovision announcement at CBC Toronto, he wore a baby blue cape, tall silver boots and a pink and white jacket.
“We were trying to come up with what it would look like if I was a superhero wrestler, and that’s kind of what came out,” Durocher explained.
The lavish outfits don’t end at his live appearances: In the video for his newest single, Goodbye Forever, he rocks an ornate white robe that wouldn’t look out of place in Phantom of the Opera.
Durocher is aware that he doesn’t fit in the box of conventional pop stars, and it’s something he takes in stride.
“Pop stars have a certain look. I’m heavier and dress differently and wear a lot of glitter, so I’ve had to rely a lot on my skill as a songwriter to break through and show people who I am. It’s been received pretty well so far, so I’m gonna keep trying to be myself,” Durocher said.
Dealing with the pressure, and what’s next
Despite landing among the final five, Durocher says the pressure isn’t getting to him.
“I’m not stressed. I feel like I have enough experience in playing big shows and having a lot of pressure on me, that this one just feels like a lot of fun,” he said.
In between big shows, Durocher has managed to find time to write new songs exclusively for the Eurovision competition. He could not reveal what they’re about.
“I’d rather keep it a secret, just in case it changes,” he said.
The voting window for the five finalists will close at midnight on Nov. 5, and the winner will be announced in December.