EBU updates rules for Eurovision 2027

There will be new rules for hosting, live vocals and artists’ age at next year's Eurovision.

The changes were approved by Eurovision’s governing body, the Reference Group, following the EBU’s annual review of the contest.

The updates follow feedback from participating broadcasters after Eurovision 2026 in Vienna and are intended to provide greater clarity for broadcasters, artists and production teams.

New rules for hosting Eurovision

From 2027, the winning broadcaster will automatically be ineligible to host the following Eurovision Song Contest if an armed conflict, a sensitive geopolitical situation or another situation materially affects the security, safety or stability of the country or its immediate region.

If necessary, the EBU may commission an independent security assessment of the winner’s region.

Following the assessment, the EBU will consult the Reference Group to determine whether the winning broadcaster is able to safely host the contest.

If the winning broadcaster is unable to host, the EBU will appoint an alternative Host Broadcaster.

The alternative Host Broadcaster will take over all rights, obligations and liabilities connected with hosting Eurovision, including the organisation, production and staging of the contest.

Importantly, the alternative broadcaster will organise Eurovision in its own right and will not be required to host the contest on behalf of the previous year’s winning broadcaster.

Lead vocals must perform the main melody live

The EBU has also clarified the rules regarding live vocals and pre-recorded elements.

The main principle remains unchanged: The Lead Singer or Lead Singers must perform the main melody live.

Backing tracks and pre-recorded elements can still be used in accordance with the rules, but the lead vocal must be the only element performing the main melody.

Pre-recorded elements cannot replace or unduly assist the live lead vocal performance.

According to the EBU, the clarification is intended to protect the integrity of the performances and ensure that audiences always hear the lead vocals performed live.

Minimum age increased from 16 to 18

Another change for Eurovision 2027 concerns the minimum age for participating artists.

From 2027, all artists must be at least 18 years old on the day of their first rehearsal.

Until now, the minimum age has been 16.

Semi-final: Primarily public voting

The rules concerning the Semi-finals have also been clarified. Qualification is now described as being primarily determined by the audience vote, including the Rest of the World vote. The rules also allow jury points to be included alongside the audience vote in the Semi-finals, subject to approval by the Reference Group and using a ratio determined by the EBU.

Promotion of voting

A new section also regulates the promotion of voting. Broadcasters, artists and commentators may encourage viewers to vote and explain how to do so, but disproportionate promotional activity — including large-scale or state-backed campaigns — is not permitted.

Ensuring a safe contest

The EBU says the change is part of its work to strengthen safeguarding and protect younger artists from the pressures associated with competing at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green says the annual review is intended to keep the contest fair, transparent and consistent for everyone involved:

– 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.

The updated rules will apply to the Eurovision Song Contest 2027 in Bulgaria.

Read more from the public summary of the Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest 2027.