For the first time in Eurovision history, the song contest will be expanding to Asia, with the first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia confirmed to take place in Bangkok on 14 November 2026.
At launch, ten countries have already been confirmed, namely South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, and more participants are expected to be announced in the coming months. The show will be available to watch worldwide via the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the lineup of participating countries. In fact, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) expects additional broadcasters, and therefore more countries, to confirm their participation in the coming weeks.
The format of the competition is expected to closely mirror that of the European contest: Each participating country will select its entry either through televised national finals or internal selections by broadcasters. This approach allows for a mix of public engagement and curated representation, which will give both emerging and established artists a platform to compete on an international stage. Much like its European counterpart, the show will likely combine jury votes and public voting to determine the winner.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, commented on the announcement: “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.”
He continues, “this is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest.”
The launch of Eurovision Asia marks an exciting new chapter for the Contest and offers a platform to show the region’s diverse musical talent and foster cross-cultural exchange on a global stage. As broadcasters confirm their participation in the coming months, audiences around the world can look forward to a fresh celebration of creativity, performance, and international collaboration.
