Bulgaria to Host Eurovision 2027 Semi-Final on Israeli Memorial Day in Burgas

The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria in 2027, with the first semi-final scheduled for May 11, coinciding with Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. The second semi-final will take place on May 13, followed by the grand final on May 15. The host city chosen is Burgas, which was selected over the capital, Sofia, as announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

This scheduling poses a challenge for Israel, which traditionally participates in Eurovision but may need to request to perform in the second semi-final due to the conflict with its national day of remembrance. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation is expected to seek EBU approval to compete in the second semi-final, a request likely to be granted based on precedent from previous contests in 2011 and 2024, where Israel adjusted its participation to avoid clashes with significant national days.

Bulgaria earned the right to host after its representative, Dara, won the 2026 contest in Vienna with the song "Bangaranga." The EBU also updated Eurovision rules for 2027, introducing a clause that the winning country is not automatically guaranteed to host the next contest if there are security concerns due to military conflicts or geopolitical instability. The EBU may conduct independent security assessments and select an alternative host if necessary.

Additionally, the minimum age for participants will increase from 16 to 18 starting in 2027 to better protect young artists from the pressures of the competition. This change follows decades of younger participants, including Israel's Nadav Guedj who competed at 16 in 2015. Finally, Canada will officially join Eurovision starting next year, expanding the contest's international reach.