Canada has been granted eligibility to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest, following a diplomatic push led by the United Kingdom to deepen cultural ties within the Commonwealth. The decision, announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Wednesday, marks a significant expansion of the contest beyond its traditional European boundary.
The EBU’s executive board voted unanimously to invite members from Commonwealth nations after months of lobbying by British officials. A senior British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the move as “a strategic effort to revitalise soft power links with former dominions and colonies, at a time when geopolitical alignments are shifting.”
Canada, as the first Commonwealth nation to accept the invitation, will debut at the 2025 contest, to be held in Basel, Switzerland. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) confirmed its interest in participating, with a national selection process expected to begin later this year.
The Eurovision Song Contest, first held in 1956, has historically been limited to members of the EBU, which encompasses primarily European broadcasters. However, the EBU’s associate membership rules allow non-European states to join under certain conditions. Australia has competed since 2015, setting a precedent for transcontinental participation.
“This is not about geography; it is about shared values and cultural exchange,” said an EBU spokesperson. “Canada has a vibrant music scene and a strong public broadcaster. We believe their inclusion will enrich the contest.”
The United Kingdom’s role as the driving force behind the initiative reflects its post-Brexit foreign policy focus on the Commonwealth. The UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been quietly championing the idea for two years, according to memos seen by this correspondent.
Critics, however, question the dilution of Eurovision’s European character. Some former EBU executives argued that the contest could lose its unique identity if it expands too broadly. “Eurovision is, at its heart, a European institution. Opening it up to all Commonwealth countries risks turning it into a global jamboree,” said a former EBU official.
Canada’s entry will face the same rules as other participants: a song of no more than three minutes, no politically charged lyrics, and a live vocal performance. The CBC has yet to announce a selection method, but sources indicate it may adopt a format similar to Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, with regional heats and a finale.
Cultural attachés in Ottawa welcomed the move, noting that Canadian artists such as Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen, and Drake have already achieved global recognition. “Eurovision provides a platform for emerging artists to reach an audience of hundreds of millions,” said a CBC spokesperson.
Analysts point to the strategic calculus behind the UK’s lobbying. “Soft power is not merely about aid or diplomacy; it is about cultural resonance,” said Dr. Eleanor Fox, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics. “By leading the charge to include Canada, the UK reinforces its role as a bridge between Europe and the Commonwealth, at a time when its influence in continental Europe has waned.”
The EBU has indicated that other Commonwealth nations, such as Australia’s neighbour New Zealand, have informally expressed interest. However, no formal applications have been received. The inclusion of Canada is seen as a test case for broader expansion.
Reaction in Canada has been mixed. On social media, some celebrated the opportunity, while others expressed scepticism about joining a contest often dismissed as kitschy. “We are more than just our stereotypes. Eurovision is silly, but it is also a chance to showcase real talent,” tweeted a prominent Canadian music critic.
The Basel 2025 contest will feature 38 participants, pending final confirmations. The EBU expects a surge in viewership from North America, driven by Canadian interest. For the UK, the move may also strengthen bilateral cultural relations ahead of trade negotiations with Canada.
The decision underscores a subtle recalibration of the Eurovision brand: from a purely European affair to a broader platform for English-speaking democracies. Whether this evolution sustains long-term interest or erodes its core appeal remains to be seen.
