In huge news for fans of eclectic music, extravagant costumes and international relations, it’s officially been announced that Canada will compete in the Eurovision Song Contest. The friendliest country in the world will make their debut in Bulgaria next year, becoming the first new country to join the competition since Australia’s arrival in 2015.
So yes, hopefully this means there will be significantly fewer people asking “Why is Australia in Eurovision?” now that another non-European country is in the mix.
Basically, CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) last week following a vote at the 96th General Assembly, which has cleared the path for Canadian participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
“While born in Europe, the contest continues to welcome the world,” Eurovision Director Martin Green said in a statement.
CBC/Radio-Canada President Marie-Philippe Bouchard also said she is “so excited” to bring the world’s largest live music event to Canadians, adding: “Our participation will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.”
How is Canada allowed to compete in Eurovision?
Eurovision eligibility is tied to EBU membership rather than strict geography, which is how Australia was allowed to compete in 2015 thanks to SBS’s associate membership.
Other non-European countries that have competed in Eurovision include Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey and Armenia, and Morocco competed once in 1980.
Canada is also no stranger to the competition, as Céline Dion famously won in 1988 with “Ne partez pas sans moi” representing Switzerland.
Meanwhile, the US hosted a one-off music reality competition called the American Song Contest in 2022, which was hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg and saw acts representing all 50 US states, five territories and Washington, D.C.
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia is also making its debut in Thailand later this year with 10 countries participating, and there’s a chance Australia could compete in the future through a different broadcaster other than SBS.
Who should represent Canada at Eurovision?
With Canada confirmed to compete in the 71st Eurovision Song Contest, the big question now is: who will represent the country on the world stage?
It’s unknown if they will send a lesser-known artist to Bulgaria or follow in Australia’s footsteps by inviting someone with a larger profile — and if it’s the latter, I have some ideas.
If they want to start strong and secure an immediate win, Justin Bieber is the obvious choice. Yes, his lack of stage presence and eye-catching outfits would stick out like a sore thumb in the lineup, but it would be literally impossible not to give douze points to the heartthrob. The same goes for Drake, The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes, although they would never compete unless they somehow ended up in the Khia Asylum.
Speaking of the Khia Asylum, Eurovision could be the perfect vehicle to bring Grammy Award-winner Alessia Cara back to mainstream fame with her “Espresso” moment.
Meanwhile, Tate McRae could bring the same choreo and hairography that Cyprus has become famous for, and Avril Lavigne — sorry, Melissa — would fit right in with the Nordic countries with a rock hit.
Carly Rae Jepsen would also no doubt write the catchiest bop of the competition, and I genuinely hope she’s getting a call from CBC/Radio-Canada in the next few months.
In terms of legacy acts, the options are endless with Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morissette and Bryan Adams to choose from. Michael Bublé would score votes from all the mums (and Christmas lovers), and Nickelback could get the comeback they deserve.
If we’re being real, though, let’s hope Celine is getting ready to take home another trophy. It’s all coming back to her now.
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