Asia to launch its own Eurovision: EBU reveals date of first show
Eurovision now comes to Asia (photo courtesy of EBU press service)
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has officially announced the launch of a new international music project – “Eurovision Asia.” The first grand final of the Asian version of the contest is scheduled for November 14, 2026, and will take place in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, according to the contest’s press service.
What is known about Eurovision in Asia
According to the creators, the new format will largely resemble the classic Eurovision Song Contest.
“Asia, are you ready? The world’s most famous music competition is coming to Asia, and it will be louder, brighter, and bigger than ever. From national selection shows across the region to a live grand final in Bangkok filled with light, sound, and unstoppable energy, this is where the entire region comes together,” the EBU announced.
This marks the first major attempt to expand the Eurovision brand beyond Europe.
Countries from the Asia-Pacific region will take part in the new contest, each sending performers with original songs.
As in the European version, representatives will be selected through national competitions. The winner will be chosen using a combined voting system: 50% jury votes and 50% audience voting.
Organizers emphasize that the main idea behind the new contest is not only musical competition, but also a cultural connection between countries in the region.
The grand final in Bangkok is planned as a large-scale live TV show, and viewers from around the world will be able to watch performances on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
“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 region's voices, identities, and ambitions, 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,” the organizers said.
As of March 2026, ten countries have already confirmed participation in the debut contest. These include:
- South Korea;
- Thailand;
- Philippines;
- Vietnam;
- Malaysia;
- Cambodia;
- Laos;
- Bangladesh;
- Nepal;
- Bhutan.
It is expected that additional countries from the region may join later.
The idea of an Asian version of Eurovision is not new. The concept was first mentioned in 2008, when the EBU outlined the possibility of creating a similar contest in Asia under a different name.
The project gained new momentum in 2016, when Australian broadcaster SBS and production company Blink TV began developing it.
The first contest was initially planned for 2017, but its launch was repeatedly postponed due to various organizational and political challenges.
Later, the project was effectively put on hold until 2021. Work resumed afterward at a new stage, when the rights were transferred to Voxovation, a company specializing in adapting the Eurovision format for different regions worldwide.
Throughout 2025–2026, preparations for the launch intensified, and in March 2026, the organizers finally issued an official announcement with the confirmed date and host city for the first contest.
