Kazakhstan could be one step closer to making its Eurovision Song Contest debut in 2027 after the Kazakh Ministry of Culture confirmed its willingness to study joining the international event.
The government stance represents a positive signal for the nation's Eurovision ambitions, although official confirmation of participation has not yet been finalized. If the move materializes, Kazakhstan would join Canada as a debut country in 2027, while the Netherlands will not be returning to the competition.
Kazakhstan has been connected to the Eurovision universe for several years through its involvement in Junior Eurovision, the youth version of the annual competition. Attention now centers on whether the Kazakh public broadcaster will formalize a candidacy to compete for the crystal microphone.
Canadian Selection Process for 2027 Debut
Canada announced its intention to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time during celebrations for the country's 159th anniversary. The 2027 edition of the festival will take place in May in the Black Sea port city of Burgas, Bulgaria, following a victory by Bulgarian artist Dara with the song Bangaranga, which earned the first Crystal Microphone for Bulgarian television.
Canadian public broadcaster CBC issued a major announcement outlining the timeline to select the country's historic first entrant. A public call for artist submissions opens on August 31 and will remain open through September 9.
Performers who pass the initial selection phase will be announced in autumn before advancing to a second round featuring online voting by an expert jury alongside the general public. The selected representative will subsequently collaborate with a team of Canadian music industry professionals to refine the song and prepare the stage performance.
CBC stated that it is seeking an artist who combines charisma, passion, experience, and stage presence, as well as a proven ability to connect with large live audiences. Executive Vice President Doug Smith encouraged Canadian artists to seize the opportunity, describing Eurovision as the largest musical stage in the world and emphasizing the importance of delivering an entry capable of taking advantage of the festival's international reach.
Smith noted that CBC hopes to find an act with a distinct personality, whether through vocal power, a magnetic performance, or an original artistic proposal showcasing Canadian talent to millions of viewers.
National Final Confirmed by Canadian Leadership
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada will select its contestant through a televised national final. Carney, who leads the Canadian Liberals, welcomed the nation's inclusion and stated that Canadian citizens will decide which artist sets foot on the Eurovision stage for the first time.
Carney confirmed that the selection will feature a national competition styled after Spain's Benidorm Fest, the annual televised contest used to select Spanish entries. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Spain itself will take part in the 2027 edition of Eurovision.
European Broadcasting Union Membership and Debut Rules
The European Broadcasting Union officially confirmed Canada's upcoming debut following its 96th General Assembly held in Prague, where CBC secured full member status. The acquisition of full membership grants CBC the right to compete, making Canada the first new country to join Eurovision since Australia debuted in 2015.
Canada will not receive a guaranteed direct spot in the Grand Final and must first compete in the semi-finals to qualify. EBU officials stated that CBC's entry reinforces the global character of the contest and opens a new era for North American participation in Eurovision.
Canada boasts a long-standing historical connection to the song contest, with Canadian-born and naturalized performers leaving a lasting legacy. Céline Dion stands as the most emblematic example, having won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 before launching her global career, while other Canadian singers such as Lara Fabian, Natasha St-Pier, and La Zarra have represented European nations.
In addition to performance history, Canada ranked among the largest Rest of the World voting markets during Eurovision 2026 and was among the leading international buyers of tickets for the live event.
