CBC/Radio-Canada names five finalists for Eurovision Song Contest
Five Canadian artists, including Quebecers William Cloutier and Rêve, are competing for a chance to represent Canada at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, following a selection announcement by CBC/Radio-Canada. Canadians have until November 5 to vote for their preferred candidate on the Radio-Canada website, with the winner announced by the end of November.
Selecting Canada’s First Eurovision Contender
CBC/Radio-Canada unveiled the five finalists during a special broadcast recorded in Toronto and aired on the public broadcaster’s platforms, L’actualité reported. A jury of music industry professionals and CBC/Radio-Canada executives narrowed down an initial pool of 325 applicants to a short list of fifteen before selecting the final five. The finalists comprise Quebecers William Cloutier and Rêve, Acadian singer Josiane, Ontarian artist Talk, and British Columbia native Tyler Shaw.
The selected artist will travel to Burgas, Bulgaria, to perform under the Canadian flag at the 71st Eurovision Song Contest on May 15. This participation marks Canada’s debut in the competition, made possible after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union in June.
The Contenders and Their Regional Roots
William Cloutier, who won Star Académie in 2021, stated that his songs are written in standard French and carry the potential to resonate across the global francophone community, particularly in France and Europe where he toured with Starmania. Josiane Comeau, winner of La Voix in 2020, emphasized her desire to represent both official languages and highlight Acadian culture on an international stage.
Montreal-born artist Rêve, known for her track “CTRL + ALT + DEL,” recalled watching the competition for a decade and expressed surprise at Canadian eligibility. Meanwhile, Ottawa singer Talk, who gained recognition with “Run Away to Mars” in 2021, noted that he has enlisted professionals with prior Eurovision experience to prepare for the contest. Vancouver native Tyler Shaw aims to craft a song with global resonance if chosen by the public.
Public Voting and Next Steps
Natacha Mercure, general manager of audio and radio at Radio-Canada, explained that the public voting phase is designed to build domestic awareness around the contest while giving audiences a direct voice in the selection. The public has until November 5 to cast votes online, and the winning representative will be revealed before November concludes.
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