Earlier this week, the EBU has announced changes to the Eurovision Song Contest rules.
The changes will apply from the 2027 edition:
- The winning country won’t necessarily get the right to host the next year’s contest. The EBU will assess the security, safety, or stability of the country or region, before giving the green light.
- Emphasis on the lead vocal requirements: Lead Singer(s) must perform the main melody live. Pre-recorded vocals cannot replace, double, or unduly assist the primary live vocal performance.
- Performers must be at least 18 years old (and not 16 as before)
However, another development regarding the contest rules may take place behind the scenes.
According to the Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, the EBU has been discussing reforms to the public vote.
The EBU has reportedly informed the various national broadcasters via a letter signed by Jean Philip De Tender (the EBU Chief Executive) and Ana Maria Bordas (the Eurovision Reference Group Chair).
A small section of the letter was quoted:
Our research points towards two changes: moving the public vote entirely online and requiring people to vote for more than one entry, for example, their three favorites.
This work is already underway, with the hope of having it ready by 2027. We believe that these changes will increase engagement and the willingness to vote and help dilute the effect of mobilized bloc voting, without compromising fairness or trust
For now, several changes are being considered, including migrating the public vote to online-only voting and requiring viewers to vote for 3 entries.
A similar vote is being held today for Junior Eurovision or Eurovision Asia.
For many years, viewers could have allocated up to 20 votes via SMS/telephone voting/online voting.
In 2026, the number of votes was reduced to 10. However, voters have had the option to spread their vote freely across any 1- 10 acts.
Based on an analysis of the results, SMS/ and telephone voting had many cases when one voter place all their 10 votes on one country only.
The final rules are likely to be known by January 2027.
You can find the full rulebook of Eurovision 2027 here
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria on May 11th, 13th, 15th, 2027
