Eurovision to Launch Asian Edition With First Final Set for Bangkok
Eurovision Song Contest will expand into Asia this year, with organizers confirming a new regional edition scheduled to debut this fall. The first Eurovision Song Contest Asia will culminate in a live final on Nov. 14 in Bangkok.
The competition will follow a structure similar to the European contest, with participating countries selecting their entries through national shows before advancing to the final stage. Ten countries have already signed on: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Organizers expect additional countries to join in the coming months.
The expansion arrives as Eurovision approaches its 70th anniversary, a milestone that has prompted renewed efforts to extend the contest’s reach beyond Europe. In a statement, director Martin Green described the Asian edition as an opportunity to build a version of the contest that reflects the region’s cultural and musical landscape while maintaining the format’s core structure.
Eurovision has historically been defined by a mix of national representation and cross-border appeal, combining live performance with a competitive voting system. The Asian edition is expected to retain those elements, though details on voting mechanisms and broadcast partners have not yet been fully outlined.
This is not the first time Eurovision has attempted to replicate its model outside Europe. In 2022, organizers launched the American Song Contest, which featured artists representing U.S. states and territories and was hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson. The show did not continue beyond its first season, raising questions about how easily the format translates to different markets.
The Asian edition appears to be a more regionally integrated effort, built around national broadcasters and local selection processes rather than a centralized production model. That approach aligns more closely with Eurovision’s original structure, which has contributed to its longevity in Europe.
The launch also comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the European contest itself. The 2026 edition, set to take place in Austria this May, has faced political tensions that have affected participation. Several countries, including Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands, have announced boycotts over Israel’s inclusion amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Russia, meanwhile, remains excluded following its invasion of Ukraine.
Despite those challenges, Eurovision continues to position itself as a global platform. The Asian edition represents a new phase in that strategy, with a focus on regional identity rather than direct replication.
