Eurovision expands to Asia with first edition set in Bangkok

Thursday 02 April 2026 - 15:06

The iconic Eurovision Song Contest is set to expand beyond Europe for the first time, with a new Asian edition scheduled to take place in Bangkok in November.

Organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the initiative marks a major milestone as the competition celebrates its 70th anniversary. The new format aims to showcase the diversity, creativity, and cultural identity of Asia while maintaining the contest’s core spirit of unity through music.

The inaugural event, titled “Eurovision Song Contest Asia,” will bring together participating countries including South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Organizers expect additional countries to join, targeting a potential audience of more than 600 million viewers.

The grand final is scheduled for November 14, with performances expected to highlight a wide range of musical styles and cultural influences from across the region.

The expansion comes at a time when the European version of the contest faces challenges, including announced boycotts by several broadcasters over political controversies surrounding the 2026 edition in Vienna. As a result, participation in the European competition is expected to be lower than in previous years.

Despite these tensions, the launch of an Asian edition reflects the growing global appeal of the Eurovision brand and its ambition to connect audiences across continents through music and performance.