Eurovision’s Grand Final is here. Some wonder if Canada will ever change its tune on competing

The Eurovision Song Contest is a cultural phenomenon like no other. With countries from Europe and beyond competing with fiery performances and elaborate sets, the event draws tens of millions of viewers around the globe. This year, the Grand Final will take place in Basel, Switzerland, with musicians from 37 countries vying for the top prize.

While Canadians have competed on behalf of other countries in the past, there has never been an official Canadian entry. However, there is growing interest in Canada joining the competition, especially after recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about making Canada the 51st state. Canadian songwriter Laurell Barker, who has written songs for the contest in the past, believes that Canada has a lot to offer and that it would be a significant moment for the country to be involved.

Notable exceptions in the history of Eurovision include Sweden’s ABBA, who won in 1974 with their hit song “Waterloo,” and Canada’s own Céline Dion, who competed on behalf of Switzerland in 1988 and won with her performance of “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.” These successes have shown that the Eurovision stage can be a launching pad for international stardom.

There have been efforts in the past to bring Canada into the Eurovision fold, with proposals for a national competition to select a representative. However, concerns about cost and logistics have stalled these efforts. Despite this, there is renewed interest in Canada joining the competition, with discussions about potential ways for Canadian artists to participate.

While Canada is not in Europe, the inclusion of countries like Australia in the competition shows that geographic boundaries can be flexible. The Eurovision Song Contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union, and countries from Europe-adjacent regions have been included in the past. With Canada’s strong presence in the contest throughout its history, there is a compelling argument for Canada to field its own entry.

Participating in Eurovision does come with a significant price tag, with entry fees and hosting costs adding up. However, hosting the competition can also bring economic benefits to the host city, as seen in the case of Liverpool in 2023. The event has its roots in post-Second World War unity, and participating in Eurovision can be a way for Canada to build relationships with Europe and showcase its talent on an international stage.

While the road to Canada’s participation in Eurovision may have its challenges, the enthusiasm for the competition and the talent within the country make it a possibility worth exploring. With the growing interest in Canada joining Eurovision, it may only be a matter of time before Canadian artists take the stage at this iconic event.