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, Thailand, and the Philippines, have confirmed that they will be taking part. According to the contest's website, which lists the participating countries, there are more to follow.
These countries will first host their own national selections before the grand final in Bangkok which will be broadcast live on 14 November.
First held in 1956, Eurovision has grown into the world's longest running international music competition. With 2026 marking its 70th anniversary, it felt especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity, and talent, explained Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, in a statement.
The idea of an Asian version of Eurovision, conspicuously not named Asiavision, has generated excitement on social media, with people rooting for their home countries to win the contest. Philippines will win every year, read an X post, while another questions why major Asian markets such as China and Japan are not yet a part of the competition.
'A celebration of original pop music'
This is not the first time Eurovision has tried to expand beyond its core competition. In 2022, it held the American Song Contest, which saw representatives from all 50 US states. However, this stateside edition, hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, suffered from poor viewership and was not renewed for a second year.
Organizers hope an Asian contest will be more successful. Rising incomes, thriving social media, and a young generation enamored with K-pop and karaoke have fueled Asia's vibrant music scene.
As of now, the 10 participating countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. With promises that every vote will count and the contest will be a celebration of original pop music, the Asia edition is set to showcase the diversity and talent of the region's performers.
