The decision is in. Canada is joining Eurovision. The European Broadcasting Union confirmed it this morning. The real action, however, is not in Brussels. It is in London. British music executives are already circling. They see a goldmine.
Think about it. Eurovision is a platform. A massive one. 200 million viewers. And now, Canadian artists can compete. But who manages the best Canadian talent? Who owns the publishing rights? Often, it is British firms. Universal Music UK. Sony Music UK. They have deep pockets and sharp elbows.
One senior industry source described it as a 'licence to print money'. The source said: 'We have the infrastructure. The songwriters. The producers. The Canadians have the raw talent. We can polish it. Package it. And sell it back to Europe.'
The timing is crucial. The British music industry has been battered by Brexit. Touring in Europe is a nightmare. Visa costs. Carnet paperwork. Eurovision offers a workaround. A British-backed Canadian entry could dominate the contest. And the commercial spin-off? Huge.
But there is a political angle. The government is watching closely. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is briefed regularly. She knows the value of soft power. A Canadian victory, with British fingerprints, would be a diplomatic win. It would show that post-Brexit Britain can still influence European culture.
Not everyone is happy. Some British artists feel sidelined. They argue that UK talent should be the focus. But the lobbyists are powerful. The music industry is worth £6 billion to the UK economy. They will not let sentiment get in the way.
The Eurovision rules are clear. Each country sends one act. Canada will be no different. But the behind-the-scenes deals are already being cut. Songwriting camps are being organised. A&R teams are on flights to Toronto.
One insider told me: 'Expect a British co-write on the first Canadian winner. It is just a matter of time.'
The EBU has not commented on the commercial implications. They do not need to. The market is already moving. British music publishers saw their stocks edge up this morning. It is a small sign. But a telling one.
For the public, Eurovision is about glitter and nonsense. For the industry, it is about money and power. Canada's entry changes the game. And London is ready to play.
