What to know
- Chinese-Polish-Canadian singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw is one of five finalists hoping to represent Canada at Eurovision 2027, as the country prepares to make its debut in the competition.
- Born and raised in Vancouver, Shaw started writing songs at 13 and busking on Granville Street before winning the MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers Contest, which helped launch his music career. After spending a decade in Toronto, he is now based in Ottawa with his wife and children.
- A longtime Eurovision fan, Shaw says he was inspired by Swedish two-time winner Loreen and sees Canada’s participation as an opportunity to give Canadian artists a bigger international platform. He also hopes to represent Canada’s multiculturalism and inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
- Outside of Eurovision, Shaw is preparing to release a concept album, There’s No Easy Way to Put This, in 2027. The 13-track project follows the ups and downs of a relationship, with many of the songs written and self-produced in his backyard studio.
From busking on Vancouver’s streets to performing in Toronto and headlining other Canadian stages, Chinese-Polish-Canadian singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw believes he’s the voice Canada needs for its Eurovision debut.
Canadian singer-songwriter and producer Tyler Shaw is ready to wear his heart on his sleeve during his Eurovision performance, if selected.
Tyler Shaw is competing against Montreal-born, Toronto-based artist Rêve; New Brunswick artist Josiane; Ottawa artist Talk; and Drummondville, Q.C. artist William Cloutier.
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About Tyler Shaw
Tyler Shaw is the kind of artist who wears his heart on his sleeve: on and off stage.
Born and raised in Vancouver, he discovered music early—by age three, he was strumming a plastic hockey stick like a guitar.
At 13, he got his start writing songs, busking on Granville Street, and chasing open mics whenever he could.
A year at university in PEI on a soccer scholarship followed, but music was always the outlet, and athletics are still in the mix, as he recently performed at FIFA Fan Fest in Toronto.
Winning the MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers Contest launched his career and moved him to Toronto, where he spent the next decade honing his craft.
Now, based in Ottawa with his wife and kids, Shaw isn’t slowing down; he’s one of five finalists hoping to make history as Canada’s first-ever Eurovision rep.
‘There wasn’t anybody that looked like me’: Tyler Shaw on hopefully representing Canada at Eurovision
Tyler Shaw recalls watching Eurovision since he was a teenager, noting Swedish singer Loreen’s performance of “Euphoria” as an inspirational moment — especially as she’s won the competition twice.
“I paid attention to the performances and the music, but Canada wasn’t involved. So I was like, ‘Oh, this is really cool. Too bad Canada doesn’t get to perform,’” he explained.
“It’s called Eurovision. I thought there was no chance Canada will ever get to participate. But here we are ready to participate and get a gold,” Shaw added.
As a Chinese-Polish-Canadian who has lived in Vancouver, PEI, Toronto and Ottawa, Shaw feels well-rounded to represent Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism.
“I’ve met people along the way in all these different provinces and even territories; I’ve been to Yukon, which is an amazing place. I feel like they’re coming with me if I end up taking this all the way and get to represent Canada next year at Eurovision,” Shaw told Now Toronto.
Born in Canada to a father who’s a first-generation immigrant from Hong Kong and a mother from Poland and Ukraine, he hopes to be that representation for those who don’t see prominent diverse figures in media.
“There wasn’t anybody that looked like me that was following their dreams. So, if someone can look at me and I can be an inspiration for them to say dreams are possible, then I definitely want to be that person,” he said.
As soon as Shaw found out Canada would be participating in Eurovision, he said he rushed to the opportunity.
“As soon as CBC announced that they were a part of it, I said, ‘How do I sign up? Where’s the link?’ I felt like I was first in line,” Shaw said.
Shaw added that Canada’s participation in Eurovision for the first time in its 70-year history is huge for Canadian artists.
He noted The Weeknd, Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes as some of the major artists, but said they’ve mostly moved to the U.S. or signed with American labels. Shaw believes Canada’s participation in Eurovision will give Canadian domestic signed artists a bigger platform, like him, who’s signed to Sony Music Canada.
Tyler Shaw’s upcoming plans
Tyler Shaw is releasing a new album in 2027 and has already released a sneak peek with a song from the album, also the album’s name, There’s No Easy Way to Put This.
Shaw explained that his upcoming album is a concept album, telling a story from track one to 13.
“It’s a story about a relationship that has started, that’s grown into something almost unmanageable at this point. You guys are living two different lives, and then you work at it, and eventually come back together where love is supposed to live and supposed to be,” he explained.
Many of these songs are self-produced and mostly written in his backyard studio.
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