Eurovision Song Contest to Debut in Asia with Bangkok 2026 Final

The Eurovision Song Contest, the global pop music spectacle, will hold its first Asian edition on November 14, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, with ten nations initially confirmed to compete.

Inaugural Asian Competition

• Ten countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Laos, are set to participate in the inaugural event.
• More participants are expected to be announced in the coming months.
• The contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Contest Format

• Each participating country's broadcaster selects an artist to perform an original song live, with a maximum duration of three minutes.
• Winners are decided by a combination of professional juries and public votes.
• Jurors and audiences are prohibited from voting for their own country, often leading to geopolitical influences.

Historical Background

• Eurovision started in 1956 and has traditionally been centered in Europe.
• The European edition attracts over 150 million viewers globally and has launched careers of artists like ABBA, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John.
• It is a significant event on the LGBTQ+ calendar and showcases diverse performers.

Recent Controversies and Changes

• Russia has been banned since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and now runs a rival contest.
• Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, are boycotting the 2025 European event over Israel's participation.
• The EBU introduced new rules this year to enhance neutrality and limit government influence on voting.

Organizer's Vision

• Martin Green, EBU's Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said the Asian edition will reflect the "voices, identities and ambitions of the region."
• He emphasized the significance of this expansion as the contest marks its 70th anniversary.