Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first-ever Asia edition. Broadcasters from 10 countries in the region, including South Korea, Bhutan, Thailand, and the Philippines have confirmed their participation. According to the contest's website, additional countries are expected to join.
Countries will first host their own national selections before culminating in the grand final in Bangkok, to be broadcast live on 14 November. This marks a significant expansion for Eurovision, which first took place in 1956 and is now the world's longest-running international music competition.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, expressed his excitement saying, 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.
The competition mandates that all songs must be original and performed live, with voting done by music experts and fans alike. Notable artists such as ABBA and Celine Dion have launched their careers through Eurovision.
Last year's contest attracted around 163 million viewers, featuring a wide range of musical styles. However, Eurovision has also had its share of political tensions, with some countries boycotting this year’s Vienna event over Israel's participation. Russia has been barred since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul of the Thailand Tourism Authority has vocalized a strong sentiment for Bangkok to host, noting that it is a city that embodies cultural diversity and musical celebration. The Asia edition is organized by the European Broadcasting Union in collaboration with Voxovation and S2O Productions, based in Thailand.
Countries will first host their own national selections before culminating in the grand final in Bangkok, to be broadcast live on 14 November. This marks a significant expansion for Eurovision, which first took place in 1956 and is now the world's longest-running international music competition.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, expressed his excitement saying, 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.
The competition mandates that all songs must be original and performed live, with voting done by music experts and fans alike. Notable artists such as ABBA and Celine Dion have launched their careers through Eurovision.
Last year's contest attracted around 163 million viewers, featuring a wide range of musical styles. However, Eurovision has also had its share of political tensions, with some countries boycotting this year’s Vienna event over Israel's participation. Russia has been barred since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul of the Thailand Tourism Authority has vocalized a strong sentiment for Bangkok to host, noting that it is a city that embodies cultural diversity and musical celebration. The Asia edition is organized by the European Broadcasting Union in collaboration with Voxovation and S2O Productions, based in Thailand.
