After years of speculation, the EBU finally confirms the first-ever multi-country expansion with Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday November 14.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026
Back in August 2017, the EBU surprised everyone with the news the hallowed Eurovision Song Contest format that had already brought nations from Europe, Eurasia and even Australia, together, was now coming exclusively to the Asia-Pacific region under the Eurovision Asia brand. After a few hiccups along the way, with SBS’s proposed hosting in the Gold Coast in 2019 falling through, and the concept being called off altogether in 2021, it seems the format is finally back on track!
The EBU have today announced a partnership with Voxovation, S2O Productions and ZOOP to bring the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 to Bangkok, Thailand. The aim is to introduce the 600+ million people across the Asia Pacific area to bring the contest’s illustrious 70-year history to a region that already gets to be part of Eurovision in the Rest of The World voting. Asia is about to be truly United By Music as the sounds and diversity of Asian music and cultures reach a new audience.
Thailand to host first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia
Taking up the hosting honours for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is Thailand and its broadcaster Channel 3. The capital, Bangkok already prides itself as a popular tourist hub for backpackers and those seeking adventure in Asia. The city is consistently ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world with anywhere from 20-30 million visitors annually. The opportunity to host is expected to expand this further and encourage new jobs and creative growth in the arts and entertainment sector.
The venue of choice is IdeaLive in Bangkok. This entertainment space is Bangkok’s newest venue in BRAVO BKK. It has a capacity of over 4,000 seated guests.
Reactions to the new Eurovision expansion
“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.”
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU.
“From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy. Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life. I grew up watching Eurovision, singing in front of the TV, dancing to the winners at the disco and now seeing my own kids just as excited, predicting the outcome. To bring this incredible show to a new continent is something very special.”
Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation
Who is competing?
So far the broadcasters of ten different countries have signed up to the Asian edition of the new contest. Much like Eurovision itself, the broadcasters will choose their acts from national final selections held on their public TV network. The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will take place on Saturday November 14 2026 with the following countries confirmed so far:
- Thailand – Channel 3 – Host
- South Korea – ENA (SK Telecom / KT Group)
- Malaysia – Media Prima (TV3)
- Philippines – ABS-CBN
- Vietnam – Vietnam Television (VTV3)
- Cambodia – TV5 Cambodia
- Laos – Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9)
- Bangladesh – NTV
- Bhutan – Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
- Nepal – Himalaya TV
Each entry submitted will follow the example of Eurovision itself. No more than six performers on stage and the song must not be longer than three minutes. Later in November, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will be chosen using Eurovision’s 50% jury and 50% public voting method. The one-off Grand Final will be aired live on the official Eurovision YouTube Channel, with televised broadcasts within the competing nations. International broadcasters may also choose to buy broadcast rights within their programming schedule.
Similarly to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest format, the winning broadcaster is not automatically forced to host the following edition. Instead a bidding process will take place after the 2026 contest concludes to decide who will host the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2027.
Stay tuned with more announcements on participants expected in the coming weeks and months!
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