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Eurovision expands to Asia with inaugural contest
The Eurovision Song Contest, known for its extravagant performances, is set to debut its first-ever Asia edition this November. Broadcasters from 10 countries, including South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines, have confirmed participation, with more expected to join.
Participating nations and selection process
The confirmed countries-Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam-will each hold national selections before the grand final in Bangkok on 14 November. The event will be broadcast live, though specific voting rules for the Asia edition remain unconfirmed.
Eurovision's website states the contest will be "a celebration of original pop music," with "every vote count[ing]." Traditionally, entries must feature original songs with live lead vocals, judged by a mix of music experts and fans.
Why Asia? A region ripe for music competition
Martin Green, Eurovision's director at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), called the expansion "especially meaningful" as the contest marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Asia's vibrant music scene, fueled by rising incomes, social media growth, and genres like K-pop, made it a natural fit.
"This is a region rich in culture, creativity, and talent," Green said in a statement. K-pop's global dominance and homegrown movements like Thailand's T-Wind or India's Bollywood (though India isn't participating) underscore Asia's musical diversity.
"Because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life."
Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Thailand Tourism Authority
Past expansions and political tensions
Eurovision's move into Asia follows a mixed attempt in the U.S. In 2022, the American Song Contest-featuring representatives from all 50 states-flopped in viewership and was canceled after one season. Organizers hope Asia's enthusiasm for music will yield better results.
The contest's political controversies persist. This year's European edition in Vienna faces boycotts over Israel's participation, while Russia, banned since 2022 for its invasion of Ukraine, launched its own rival contest, Intervision. Previous efforts to create an Asian Eurovision-like event have also failed.
What's next for Eurovision Asia
The Asia edition is co-organized by the EBU, Los Angeles-based Voxovation, and Thailand's S2O Productions. Social media buzz has already begun, with fans predicting victories for their home countries-though some question the absence of major markets like China and Japan.
Eurovision's legacy of launching global stars, from ABBA to Celine Dion, may inspire this year's entrants. Last year's European contest drew 163 million viewers, proving its enduring appeal despite-or perhaps because of-its mix of spectacle and politics.
