Eurovision updates its rules: what to expect in 2027
The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed that the mixed voting system will remain for Eurovision 2027 in Burgas. New regulations also address security protocols for hosting, age requirements for contestants, and live performance standards.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) continues its comprehensive overhaul of the world's largest song contest. Following a series of reforms, it was confirmed this Tuesday that the mixed voting model, implemented at the last contest in Vienna, will remain in effect for Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria. Voting in both semi-finals will continue to be split equally: 50% for professional jury votes and 50% for the public vote.
The decision to maintain juries as an integral part of the semi-finals is part of a series of significant changes recently announced by the EBU to reshape the contest for future years.
This follows last week's decision to amend the regulation regarding the automatic hosting rights of the winning country. Under the new rule, a country that wins but faces security risks or geopolitical conflict will no longer automatically host the event.
"The EBU will be authorized to commission an independent security assessment. If it is determined that the event cannot be held safely, production and hosting rights will be fully transferred to an alternative broadcaster, which will assume full responsibility without hosting 'on behalf of' the winning country," the union stated.
Additionally, the minimum age for contestants in national selections has been raised from 16 to 18. The EBU explains that this move is intended to better protect young artists and reduce the media pressure associated with participating in an event of this magnitude.
The union also clarified rules regarding live singing, emphasizing that the core principle remains: lead singers must perform the main melody live. While recorded backing tracks are permitted, they cannot replace or support live vocals beyond strictly defined limits.
Eurovision 2027 will be hosted by Bulgaria following the victory of Daria at the 2026 contest in Vienna, where Israel was represented by Noam Batan with the song "Michel." The upcoming event in Burgas is expected to make history with the debut appearance of Canada, alongside potential discussions regarding the return of Slovenia to the stage.
