The EBU, the European Broadcasting Union, have updated the rules ahead of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, in Bulgaria. The key points to the updates include:

• Hosting
• Clarification of Audio Rules
• Artist’s Age

Following the EBU’s annual review of the Eurovision Song Contest, the event’s governing body, the Reference Group, has approved a series of amendments and clarifications to the Rules for next year’s competition in Bulgaria. The updates have been made following feedback from participating broadcasters after Vienna 2026 and are designed to provide greater clarity for all those taking part, including artists and those working on the production. They also strengthen protections for young artists and ensure the Eurovision Song Contest can always be hosted in a safe and secure setting.

Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, had the following to say:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is constantly evolving, and our annual review of the Rules is an important part of making sure the Contest remains fair, transparent and consistent for all those who participate, including the millions who engage with the event globally. Guided, as always, by feedback from our Members, we have clarified and strengthened several areas for 2027. These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment, while preserving the spirit and integrity that make the Eurovision Song Contest so special.”

Hosting

The Rules of the Contest now say the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the Contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation, or any other situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of their state or immediate region. Where deemed necessary, the EBU may commission an independent security assessment of the winner’s region. Following that assessment, the EBU will consult the Reference Group to determine whether the winning Member is able to safely host the Contest. If the winning Member is deemed unable to host, the EBU will identify an alternative Host Broadcaster. The appointed Host Broadcaster will assume all rights, obligations and liabilities associated with hosting the Contest, including responsibility for the organisation, production and staging of the event. The Host Broadcaster will organise the Contest in its own right and will not be required to stage the event on behalf of another Member.

Clarification of Audio Rules

The Audio Rules have been clarified to provide Participating Broadcasters, producers and songwriters with a clearer, shared understanding of how they are applied. The core principle remains unchanged: the Lead Singer(s) must perform the main melody live. Backing tracks and pre-recorded elements may be used in accordance with the Rules, but the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody and they cannot replace or unduly assist the live vocal performance. The clarification is intended to protect the integrity of each performance and to ensure the audience always hears the lead vocals on each song performed live.

Artist’s Age

From 2027, all artists must be at least 18 years old, rather than 16, on the day of their first rehearsal. This change continues the work already undertaken by the Contest to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing at the Eurovision Song Contest.

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The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: EBU