New participating country for Eurovision 2027 - and they're not in Europe! - Extra. ie
01/07/2026The Eurovision Song Contest will have a new participating country for the 2027 competition. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, with a vote on whether the country not in Europe should be permitted. . .
01/07/2026The Eurovision Song Contest will have a new participating country for the 2027 competition. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, with a vote on whether the country not in Europe should be permitted to participate. It’s not the first time a non-European country has participated in the song contest. The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at Wiener Stadthalle. Pic: Christian Bruna/Getty ImagesAustralia joined the annual competition in 2015, initially coming on board as a special guest for the 60th anniversary celebrations. The Aussies loved the event so much, they were invited to stay on board, but have yet to be victorious. Now, Canada is set to join the entertainment with the nation becoming a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Pic: Adam Vaughan/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockThe decision was made following a vote at the EBU 96th General Assembly in Prague. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, which is also Canada Day. President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada Marie-Philippe Bouchard said the country were ‘so excited’ to show off their talent. Israel’s Noam Bettan and crew react after having been voted into the final after their performance in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Pic: Georg Hochmuth/APA/AFP via Getty ImagesThe news comes around six weeks after the 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest took place, which saw DARA victorious for Bulgaria. The 2026 edition saw a record-low 35 countries taking part — the lowest number since 2003. The low number came as Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia boycotted the event in protest at Israel’s participation. It is unsure what the countries will do in 2027, though Belgium have already noted their likelihood to pull out for the next event. Despite Israel topping the leaderboard for a period of time during the 2026 finale, audience members were quick to let their feelings be heard. Attendees booed loudly toexpress their unhappinessat the country being placed top of the leaderboard at one stage of the results. Ultimately, DARA was victorious, earning 516 points for her song, Bangaranga. Listen to our Podcasts