New country cleared to compete in Eurovision next year – and it's not in Europe!

The broadcaster was formally admitted as a full member following a vote at the EBU's general assembly in Prague on Thursday, ending more than 70 years as an associate member.

The move allows Canada to submit an entry to Eurovision under the contest's eligibility rules, although CBC has declined to confirm whether it intends to do so.

"We'll have more to say about the Eurovision Song Contest later," a CBC/Radio-Canada spokesperson said.

The development follows the Canadian government's announcement in last year's federal budget that it was working with CBC to explore the country's participation in Eurovision.

Reports at the time suggested Prime Minister Mark Carney was personally involved in advancing the proposal.

Eurovision director Martin Green also indicated in May that the competition would welcome Canadian participation.

Canada would not be the first nation outside Europe to compete in the contest.

Australia has taken part since 2015 after receiving a special invitation from the EBU, while Israel and Morocco have also competed despite their geographical location outside Europe.

Beyond Eurovision, CBC's new status will also give the broadcaster access to the Eurovision News Exchange, Euroradio Music Exchange and other collaborative journalism and media services shared between the EBU's members.

CBC/Radio-Canada president and chief executive Marie-Philippe Bouchard welcomed the decision, saying: "This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential.

"It's an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression."

EBU director general Noel Curran added that Canada's voice would strengthen the organisation, describing CBC as "one of the world's leading public broadcasters".

While Canada's eligibility has now been confirmed, neither CBC nor the federal government has announced when the country could make its Eurovision debut.

Public reaction to the prospect of Canada joining Eurovision has been divided, with some fans questioning whether the contest should continue using its current name if more non-European nations are allowed to compete.

"They def should rename it in something else than Eurovision... Worldovision would be better," (sic) one user wrote on X.

Another added: "Now I'm no geographist... But I could've sworn they weren't in Europe."

A third commented: "Change the name of the competition please, Australia, Israel and now Canada??? We love more music of course but it's Europe, not a world competition."

Another simply asked: "Why are you inviting non-European countries?"

Others, however, welcomed the possibility of Canada's debut.

"Great news!" one fan wrote, while another added: "I'm from the US and I am so happy for Canada."