What to know
- Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will participate in the Eurovision competition and invited Canadians to help choose the artist who will represent the country.
- Eurovision is the world’s largest televised music competition, where participating countries perform original songs before millions of viewers and are scored by both professional juries and the public.
- Now Toronto asked Torontonians which Canadian artist they want to see compete, with popular picks including Drake, Michael Bublé, Metric, and Justin Bieber.
- Residents said Canada’s participation is an exciting opportunity to showcase Canadian music on a global stage, with some expressing surprise at the announcement and others saying they’ll be cheering for Canada in the competition.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that Canada will participate in the beloved music competition, Eurovision, starting in 2027.
Eurovision is the world’s largest televised music competition, where countries submit an original song and performance, with viewers and professional judges crowning the winner.
On Wednesday, Carney announced to Canadians that the country will throw its hat in the ring for Eurovision, and is asking the public to choose one Canadian artist to represent the nation.
@restoftheworld Canada will compete in Eurovision 2027 🇨🇦 #canada #markcarney #canadaday #eurovision #esc2027 ♬ original sound – rotw 🌐
“The most gloriously, over-the-top celebration of music on earth. Dozens of countries, hundreds of millions of viewers, one unforgettable show. It’s about to get even better, even wilder, because the world needs more Canada,” Carney said.
Since it’s the public’s choice, Now Toronto hit the streets to ask Torontonians which Canadian artist they wish to see on stage.
Which Canadian artist does Toronto want to see represent?
It’s go big or go home for Toronto resident Yazzyr, who hopes to see Drake on stage. Alternatively, he says some smaller bands could also get some love.
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“As Toronto-based, I think that Drake would be the go-to, but of course, I think that it also gives the opportunity for a local artist,” he told Now Toronto. “I think that here in Toronto, there’s many small bands that we can get around. I mean, Church Street is the pinnacle of art, so maybe someone local.”
While Toronto resident Suraj hopes to see British Columbia-born jazz icon Michael Bublé.
“I think that would be really interesting. We got a BC boy representing Canada at Eurovision, it’s perfect,” he said.
Torontonian Phill thinks indie band Metric should rock the European stage.
“I love their music, and they’re very Canadian in essence. It could be fun to see them there, performing,” he said.
Meanwhile Toronto resident Kerem hopes to see Stratford-raised popstar Justin Bieber take on the competition.
“He’s Canadian, dude, why not?” he told Now Toronto.
What does it mean for Canadians to see a Canadian artist represent Canada in Eurovision?
Yazzyr was filled with excitement and shock when he learnt Canada would participate in Eurovision.
“When I found out, it was quite funny. I was like, ‘Oh, Canada in Eurovision.’ But at the same time, it’s very exciting to see a different country that can bring so much to the table,” he told Now Toronto.
Suraj is just as excited as an avid Eurovision fan.
“I’ve been watching Eurovision every year, and it’s really exciting that Canada will participate and will be rooting for Canada,” he said.
Phil thinks, “Why not,” for Canada to participate.
“I think it’s cool. I know it’s really popular in Europe, and I guess there are some countries that aren’t necessarily in Europe that are in it. So, why not Canada? That could be fun,” he told Now Toronto.
Kerem’s Turkish, so he’s familiar with Eurovision.
“I think it’d be cool. I’m also Turkish, so I know about Eurovision from that too, but I know there’s a bunch of popular songs from Eurovision,” he said.
