Eurovision Song Contest Asia Makes Its Debut in Bangkok With Singers From 11 Countries

Eurovision Song Contest Asia, a debut Asian edition of the European singing competition, is set to take place in Bangkok, with singers from 11 countries performing. According to the New York Times, it will be live-streamed on YouTube on Saturday night local time and broadcast by television stations in each of the 11 participating countries.

The original Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 and is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an association of public broadcasters. Its European edition typically includes more than 30 countries. Past winners include ABBA of Sweden, and Celine Dion represented Switzerland in 1988.

The Asian version is the EBU's third attempt to build an Asian spinoff, meaning a version of a show adapted for a different region. Two earlier attempts were abandoned by the EBU and its regional partners. A closer American precedent also exists: NBC's American Song Contest, a Eurovision spinoff, ran for one season in 2022.

Under the format described by the New York Times, the winner will be chosen by a combination of votes from a panel of judges and viewers from around the world. South Korea and Thailand are among the participating countries. Malaysia's performer plans to enter the stage inside a giant teardrop.

Organisers have also said they are in talks with China, Japan and India about joining future Asian seasons. No participation by those countries has been announced, and those talks are ongoing.

The European contest's most recent edition, the 70th, was held in May. It was won by Dara representing Bulgaria with the song “Bangaranga.” Martin Green is the EBU's director of the Eurovision Song Contest.