Let’s be straight. Canada is historically the BEST competitor in Eurovision; Europe’s most ridiculously flamboyant, dramatic and over-the-top song contest that you’ve EVER SEEN. And we’ve got the numbers to prove it.
But first off, for those of you who don’t know what Eurovision is, let’s do a recap.
What is Eurovision?
Odds are that if you’ve never lived in Europe or maybe Australia, you’ve never heard of Eurovision.
Since 1956, Europe has held an annual televised song contest where upwards of 40+ countries enter and perform an original song live before all participating countries cast their votes for a winner.
It is the longest-running annual international television contest and one of the world’s longest-running television programmes ever.
If you’re thinking to yourself oh it’s just like The X Factor or American Idol, you couldn’t be more wrong.
In participating countries, Eurovision is considered the GAY SUPERBOWL of TV events. 3 nights of live theatrical musical performances, flamboyant fashion, high energy choreography and a colour-infused technical lights show all able to blow the vodka right out of your martini.
Song genres tend to range from a large skew of electro-pop dance tunes and lung-bursting pop ballads to emotional love songs, hard rock, traditional music and even politically charged social commentary.
Amongst the most unique and surprising milestone entries have been a heavily demon-costumed heavy metal CHRISTIAN rock band from Finland (winner), a team of high energy Russian Babushka grannies baking cookies, an electronic DJ TURKEY from Ireland, a Romanian operatic vampire riding a blood wave, a bearded Austrian drag queen rising from the ashes (winner) and much much more!
Abba also debuted their first hit “Waterloo” for Sweden in 1974.
Who can participate?
Generally, participating nations have been from Europe or close proximity, except for the biggest recent addition Australia, who has one of the largest followings of Eurovision globally and has competed as a guest entrant since 2015. The number of yearly nation entries has come to average over 40+.
But how has Canada ever been part of Eurovision?
Technically Canada has never been eligible to be an official entrant. However, eligible nations aren’t limited by the country of origin of their entrants. And a Canadian singer has been chosen to represent a European country 5 times and have held a LEADING record of high performance:
- Sherisse Laurence – 1986 – Luxembourg – Place: 3rd
- Celine Dion – 1988 – Switzerland – Place: 1st
- Annie Cotton – 1993 – Switzerland – Place: 3rd
- Natasha St. Pier – 2001 – France – Place: 4th
- Rykka – 2016 – Switzerland – Place: 35th
Canadians Top Contenders in Eurovision
Ireland holds the record for most Eurovision wins at 7, Sweden second with 6 and the United Kingdom, France and Luxembourg all tied for 3rd at 5. HOWEVER, when it comes to win rate, when a Canadian singer has competed, they have by far shown the highest chance of success.
And Canada is tied with Sweden for the lead country for most consistent delivery of top ranking results. Both countries having an average competition ranking result of 9th since 1980.
But for Canada, with 4 out of 5 entries in the top 4 spots, if it wasn’t due to a particularly low performance in 2016, Canada would again be by far the lead.
And a Canadian contestant is only one of three entries to have turned their Eurovision debut into a lifelong career spanning decades, including Abba in 1974 for Sweden, Bucks Fizz winner for UK in 1981 and Celine Dion (Canadian) for Switzerland in 1988.
Canada Deserves a Chance to Compete in Eurovision
There have been conversations of Canada joining the Eurovision competition for decades including a Canadian only version pitting the provinces against each other. But we want the chance to compete on a national level in the ORIGINAL Eurovision!
With such an impeccable leading record of results, Canada deserves a chance to represent themselves and take on the biggest and the best of the world. And as countries already compete in Eurovision from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Oceania, it really doesn’t seem like a stretch to squeeze in Canada as a special guest!
The challenge has been set Europe, are you willing to accept?
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Thanks guys!
Chris and Larry
