Eurovision Song Contest to Introduce Asian Edition in 2026
Eurovision Song Contest Expands to Asia
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to make its debut in Asia this year, with the inaugural edition scheduled for November 14 in Bangkok. Currently, ten countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, are confirmed to participate, with additional nations to be announced later, according to a recent release on the expansion.
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“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,” said contest director Martin Green in a statement on March 31.
The Asian edition will follow the original contest in Vienna, where 35 countries are expected to compete in a showcase renowned for extravagant costumes and high-energy performances. The participating Asian nations will soon hold national selection rounds, with winners heading to the grand final in Bangkok.
This new chapter for Eurovision comes on the heels of last year’s contest, which attracted over 160 million viewers globally. In 2022, organizers also launched the American Song Contest, featuring artists from all 50 states, hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg. However, the American event did not achieve the same popularity as its European counterpart and was not renewed for a second season.
The Eurovision Song Contest aims to rise above political tensions to celebrate music, promising that “every vote will count” and maintaining focus on the “celebration of original pop music.”
This year’s Vienna edition faces boycotts from Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands over Israel’s participation amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Protests marred last year’s event over the involvement of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who survived the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas that resulted in significant casualties.
Additionally, Russia has been barred from competing since 2022 due to its war against Ukraine.
A teaser trailer for Eurovision Song Contest Asia has been released, generating excitement for the upcoming event.
