Canada has announced it will be taking part in the 2027 Eurovision song contest. I’m not sure how I feel about that.

We aren’t in Europe after all. Then again neither is Israel. I guess anyone can participate if they pay the fees. So why not Canaada?

I’m not sure about a competition that mixes art and nationalism. How do you decide who represents a country in a songwriting contest? In an athletic contest you can usually determine who is best, but the arts are subjective. What I like may be (in your mind) the worst song ever.

I understand that Eurovision is a spectacle. Lots of people watch the televised events. I’m not sure about music as sport though – which may be why I have never watched American Idol, The Voice or similar shows.

Sometimes there are big names involved. Past winners include pop stars such as ABBA, Katrina and the Waves and Celine Dion (who for some reason as representing Switzerland, not Canada).

Celine Dion isn’t the only Canadian to have taken part in Eurovision, though I don’t remember any others in the finals. But some countries have competitions to determine who/what their entry song will be, Back in 1981 the Canadian band Deliverance took part in the competition to select Germany’s entry (several members of the band lived for years in Germany. I think at least one still does.) They finished tenth in the competition, and had a hit across Germany under the name Janz. (Video link for the song at the top of tis post.)

the competition has become political, no surprise when countries are involved. Ukraine was a heavy sentimental favorite in 2022 after the Russian invasion. Israel’s participation has sparked demonstrations. The song becasme secondary.

Do Canadians want our country to take part? Participating in Eurovision will cost taxpayer dollars. Should Canada get involved?