Eurovision to launch first ever Asian song contest this year

By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter

Eurovision is set to launch its first ever song contest in Asia with the grand final set to be held in Thailand later this year.

Bangkok will be the competition final’s first host city on November 14, with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam all confirmed as participants competing alongside the hosts.

Martin Green, Eurovision Song Contest director, said: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent.

“This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the contest special.

“Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being united by music.”

Each country will host its own national selection show to choose its participating artist.

Chuwit Sirivajjakul, deputy governor for policy and planning at the Thailand Tourism Authority, said: “When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok.

“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.

“It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate.

“That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond.

“We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself.

“Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand’s global presence.”

The Asian contest will come as part of a partnership between the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation, an entertainment company behind Eurovision, and S2O Productions, an Asian production company.

It comes after the contest’s long-running European edition has seen five countries have boycott the competition – Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia – in protest at Israel’s participation amid its actions in Gaza.

Russia was banned from Eurovision after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but Israel has continued to compete for the past couple of years despite disputes.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael received the largest number of votes from the public last May, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Austrian winner JJ after the jury votes were taken into account, meaning this year’s event will take place in Vienna.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will see its grand final take place on May 16, where the UK will be represented by YouTuber Look Mum No Computer.