Eurovision Expands to Asia with Inaugural Song Contest

Eurovision is launching its first-ever song contest in Asia, with the grand final scheduled for Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14 later this year.

Bangkok will serve as the first host city for the final. The confirmed participating countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam, as well as the host nation, Thailand. Each country will select its participating artist through its own national selection show.

The launch of the Asian contest comes as the long-running European edition faces controversy. Five countries, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia, have announced a boycott of the upcoming competition in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

While Russia was banned from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has continued to compete. Last May, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was the runner-up, receiving the largest public vote total.

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final is scheduled for May 16 in Vienna, after Austrian winner JJ secured the victory following the combined jury and public votes.

"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," said Martin Green, Eurovision Song Contest director.

"This city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life," said Chuwit Sirivajjakul, deputy governor for policy and planning at the Thailand Tourism Authority. "It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand’s global presence."