Eurovision expands to Asia with brand new song contest set to launch this year

Eurovision is set to expand beyond Europe with the launch of its first Asia-based song contest, culminating in a grand final in Thailand later this year.

Bangkok will host the inaugural final on November 14, with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam confirmed to compete alongside the host nation.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, 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 participating country will stage its own national selection show to choose its entrant.

Chuwit Sirivajjakul, deputy governor for policy and planning at the Thailand Tourism Authority, welcomed the decision to stage the final in Bangkok.

Sirivajjakul 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 new contest forms part of a partnership between the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Voxovation — the entertainment company behind Eurovision — and S2O Productions.

Its launch comes amid continued tensions surrounding the European edition of the contest. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia have all boycotted this year’s competition in protest at Israel’s participation over its actions in Gaza.

Russia, meanwhile, was banned following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while Israel has continued to compete despite ongoing controversy.

At last year’s contest, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael secured the highest public vote, ultimately finishing runner-up to Austria’s JJ after jury scores were counted. As a result, this year’s competition will take place in Vienna.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to hold its grand final on May 16, with the UK set to be represented by YouTuber Look Mum No Computer.